One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with no reason to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside 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 informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
For decades, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further following shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined 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 just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, 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 accounts and honor with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
