Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with those of most young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
