One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 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
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East 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 still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, international adoptions authorized through 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.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
