One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause 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.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adoptees and their families have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"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," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
