Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee 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
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
