One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate 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 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
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, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care 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 stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case 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 parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
