Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, 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 express it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their families have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and honor with the promise that America gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
