Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in 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 an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, 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 expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their 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 aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
