Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
