Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would request to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
