One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and became a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice 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 continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said an attorney working with adoptee cases.
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 that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
