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One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.

Hailing from the Korean peninsula, 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," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.

Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.

An American Upbringing

She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many American youths.

"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.

Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.

Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her US citizenship.

However in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Citizenship Crisis

She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.

But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.

"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.

Widespread Problem

This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.

Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.

Additional Account

A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of 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 settled into my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.

Legal Background

For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.

Current Fears

These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.

Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.

"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.

Lacking National Identity

"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.

"I frequently explain that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.

"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."

Possible Resolution

Although these individuals being left in limbo 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: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.

Final Plea

Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals 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. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."