Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who went back 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 US couple, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse 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 adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, 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 said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."