One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father served of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
She became a mother, got married and became a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to question her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Discovering Non-Citizen Status
She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
A Common Issue
Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially following recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with pleas for assistance," said an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.
"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."
