One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
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 across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
