One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice 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, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
