Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father served of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
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
She was raised living a life comparable with that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
