One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been removed 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 concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"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."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action 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 US citizens at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would ask him 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 honor with the commitment that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
