One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life comparable with that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"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 essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, 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 placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
