Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, 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 legal systems 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 adopted individuals and their families have risen even further following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of 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 request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
