Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, 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. Approximations 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 recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders 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 said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
