One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who went back shortly 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 US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about 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 life, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in 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 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 currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. 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: American citizenship."
