Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, 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 American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she visited 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.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that America made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
