Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, 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.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in 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 a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
