Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by 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
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes 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 accounts and honor with the promise that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
