One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, 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
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, 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 settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
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 addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"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 time of birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
