Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, 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.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. 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 fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
