One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe 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 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals 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 disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
