One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological 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 adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"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 expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"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 story and please follow through with the promise that America gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
