One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to 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 two years old.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned 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 stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"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 story and please follow through with the commitment that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
