One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
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 American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of authorities, 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 an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here 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 currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
