One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had 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 thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes 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 said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
