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One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family during 1966.

Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.

"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.

Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.

Growing Up American

She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.

"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.

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

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

But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.

But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.

"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.

Widespread Problem

This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.

Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups.

Another Story

Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.

"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.

Historical Context

Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not automatically guarantee 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 adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since shifts in administration.

Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.

"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.

Stateless Feeling

"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.

"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.

"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."

Possible Resolution

Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.

"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.

Last Appeal

Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.

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

"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the commitment that America made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."