One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt her American identity.
However 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 informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
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 removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, 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 legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. 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 essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"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 were brought here: American citizenship."
