One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way 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 Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to question 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 local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, 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 requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here 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 stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
