One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with little cause 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.
However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Legal Background
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 children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should 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 for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that America made to every of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
