Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
