One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life comparable with that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
