Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed 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 lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," 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 America gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
