One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put 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 Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, 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 American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. 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 Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"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 said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should 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," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
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 please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
