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 American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised living a life comparable with those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, international adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially following 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 began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
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.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."
