Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, 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 says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
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 fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe 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 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their families have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo 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 a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and honor with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
