One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who went back soon 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 US couple, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life similar to that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to question her American identity.
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 went to her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice 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 an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested 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 stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
