One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost 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 experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations 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, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," 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."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
