One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care 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.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should 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 time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that America made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
