Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home soon 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 adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, 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 a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by 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
These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested 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 without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"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 please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."
