One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth 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," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with 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 recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"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 merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
