Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home 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 American pair, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in 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 a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here 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 said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes 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 aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
