Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, 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
Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, 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 an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, 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: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
