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 American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, 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 American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East 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 still believe that today," she says.
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 addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. 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 said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
