Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states 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
She was raised living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
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.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her 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. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
