One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly 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 brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed 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. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East 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 states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys 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 treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States gave each one of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
