One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who took her back to Texas.
Growing Up American
She was raised living a life similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
