Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father served of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, 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 world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told 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.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
