One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological 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," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by 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.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
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 all political parties.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
