One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her government identification and required a new one.
But when she went to her government agency, 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 says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further following recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
