Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. 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 stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
