One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then 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 informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals 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 fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, international adoptions authorized through 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
These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in 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 just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
