Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their families have risen even further following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
