Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
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 drawing notice of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in 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 just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"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 made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
