One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family 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, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.
"I adapted to my life, always understanding 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 approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
