Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back soon 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 welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations 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 specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and honor with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
