Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says 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.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the commitment that America made to every of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
