Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 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 nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"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 states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress 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.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned 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 this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
