Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys 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 equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"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 please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
