Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and became 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 needed a replacement.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since shifts in administration.
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 pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"At the end of the day, 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 this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and honor with the commitment that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
