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One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.

Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.

"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.

After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.

An American Upbringing

Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.

"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.

Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.

Life carried on for many years with no reason to question her American identity.

But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.

Citizenship Crisis

She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.

"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.

Widespread Problem

Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.

Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups.

Additional Account

Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.

"I adapted to my life, 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 international adoptees.

Present Concerns

Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.

Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.

"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoption law.

Lacking National Identity

"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.

"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.

"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."

Potential Solution

Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.

"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.

Final Plea

Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, 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 infants and young children. Please listen to our story and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."