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

Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.

"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," says Shirley, now 61.

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

An American Upbringing

She was raised living a life comparable with those of most young Americans.

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

She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.

Her life progressed for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.

However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.

"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.

Widespread Problem

This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.

Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.

Additional Account

A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.

"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.

Historical Context

For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.

Present Concerns

Those fears for adoptees and their families have increased substantially since recent political changes.

Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.

"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.

Lacking National Identity

"At the end of the day, they don't care 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 that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.

"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 legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.

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

Final Plea

Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.

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

"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."