Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt 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 status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of 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.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry 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
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as 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 share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
