One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification 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 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 range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
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 addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly 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 just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president 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 stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
