Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
