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Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.

Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.

"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing 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 the Lone Star State.

An American Upbringing

She was raised living a life similar to those of most American youths.

"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.

She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a piano teacher.

Her life progressed for decades with little cause to doubt her American identity.

However in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

She lost her government identification and required a new one.

But when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.

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

Widespread Problem

This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.

Numerous adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by advocacy groups.

Another Story

Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.

"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says.

Historical Context

Over many years, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure 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 adoptees and their families have risen even further since shifts in administration.

Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.

"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional working with adoptee cases.

Lacking National Identity

"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 merely documentation issues," she said.

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

"As far as I'm concerned 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 gain bipartisan support from all political parties.

"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.

Last Appeal

The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.

"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.

"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our accounts and honor with the commitment that America gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."