Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing 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 took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested 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 currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that America gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
