One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
