One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who went back soon 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 adopted by a US couple, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that America gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
