Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who went back shortly 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 adopted by a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
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 wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
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 began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful 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 said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
