One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, 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 said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
