One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
