One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing 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 authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. 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 fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
