One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father served 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, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life comparable with that of many American youths.
"I moved 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 became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of authorities, was adopted 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's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
