One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
