One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in 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's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. 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 essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president 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 infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that America made to every of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
