Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
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.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
