One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional specializing in 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 merely documentation issues," she said.
"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."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"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 a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
