Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
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 time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
