One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of 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 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 became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted 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 your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
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 a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and honor with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
