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One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.

Hailing from 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 nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.

Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to Texas.

An American Upbringing

Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.

"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.

Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.

Life carried on for many years with no reason to question her American identity.

But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.

"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.

A Common Issue

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

Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.

Additional Account

A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.

"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.

Historical Context

Over many years, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.

The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.

Present Concerns

These concerns for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially since recent political changes.

Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.

"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoptee cases.

Lacking National Identity

"At the end of the day, 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 said.

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

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

Potential Solution

Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.

"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.

Last Appeal

The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.

"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.

"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."