One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said an attorney working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"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 children that were brought here: American citizenship."
