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Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.

Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.

"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.

After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.

Growing Up American

Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.

"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.

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

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

However in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

She misplaced her Social Security card 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 had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.

Widespread Problem

Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.

Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.

Additional Account

Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.

"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.

Historical Context

Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.

Current Fears

Those fears for adoptees and their families have increased substantially since shifts in administration.

Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.

"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.

Stateless Feeling

"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.

"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.

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

Potential Solution

Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts 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 treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.

Last Appeal

Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.

"I would ask him to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.

"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."