Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure 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 adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts 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: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
