Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers 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.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
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 legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president 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 placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
