One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international 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 adoptees and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, 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 that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that the United States made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
