Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth 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 express it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years 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.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
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're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
