Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth 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," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
