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 US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, 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 US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of government officials, 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 an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by legal systems 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 adoptees and their families have risen even further since 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 came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"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 said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, 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 across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
