Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
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 Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was taken in 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 was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, 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: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. 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 promise that the United States gave each one of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
