One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act 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 increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people 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 left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
