One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing 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 adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice 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 life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
