Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served 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, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
