Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful 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 right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
