Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said an attorney working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
