Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth 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.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate 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 assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes 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. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
