Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
