One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems 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
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"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 said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined 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, legal experts 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 guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
