One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"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 states.
Historical Context
For decades, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Present Concerns
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."
