One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her 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 found mischief similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and became 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.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card 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 after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity 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 life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned 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 fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
