Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
