One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological 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, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, 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 just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
