Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through 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 recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with 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 a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, 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 frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals 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. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
