One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who returned home soon 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 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 young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here 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 without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
