One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father served of the American military, who returned home 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 welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
