One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
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 unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
