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Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.

Born in South Korea, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.

"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.

After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.

An American Upbringing

She was raised living a life comparable with that of many young Americans.

"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.

Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.

Her life progressed for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.

But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

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

But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.

"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.

Widespread Problem

Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many American adoptees 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 adoptee rights organizations.

Additional Account

Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.

"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.

Historical Context

Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.

Current Fears

Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially following shifts in administration.

Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees 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

"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.

"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.

"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless."

Possible Resolution

Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.

"It should be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.

Last Appeal

Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.

"I would request to please have some compassion. 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 commitment that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."