One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
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 across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
