Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief 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.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had 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 vary between thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in 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 says.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through legal systems 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.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.
"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."
