Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause to question her American identity.
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 went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"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 says.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
