One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East 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 addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
