One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
