One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life similar to that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said an attorney working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that America made to every of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
