One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, 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 just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
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 said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
