One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by 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 specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their 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 ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
