Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited 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
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their families have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful 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 stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and honor with the commitment that the United States made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
