Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she visited 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 says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said 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're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
