Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home 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 US couple, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
But then 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 government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens 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, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
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 addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter 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 natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put 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 got on those planes: American citizenship."
