One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she visited 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
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens 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 explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"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 children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
