Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said an attorney working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, 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: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
