One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about 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, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
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 aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
