Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, 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 express it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
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 during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East 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 states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
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 stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States gave each one of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
