One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.
An American Upbringing
She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.
A Common Issue
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
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 life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I always tell people 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
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts 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: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our accounts and please follow through with the commitment that the United States made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
