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Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.

Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.

"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.

After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.

Growing Up American

Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most young Americans.

"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.

Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.

Life carried on for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.

But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.

However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.

"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.

A Common Issue

This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.

Numerous adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.

Another Story

A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted 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's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.

Historical Context

For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems 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

These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially since shifts in administration.

Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.

"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.

Stateless Feeling

"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned 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 that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.

"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."

Possible Resolution

Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.

"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.

Last Appeal

The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, 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 little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."