Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father served of the US armed forces, 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 US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
