Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, 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 fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
