One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth 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.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an US pair 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 continue to feel that today," she states.
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 addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here 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 currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," 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 the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
