One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East 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 continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said an attorney working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals 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 story and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
