One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, 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 a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to 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."
