Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
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 young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, 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 life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, 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 said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders 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 put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
