Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was adopted 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 an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"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 said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"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 moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
