One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, 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.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens 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 fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned 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 essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that America gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
