Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question 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 went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran 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 says.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
