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

Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.

"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.

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

Growing Up American

Shirley grew up living a life comparable with those of most young Americans.

"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.

She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.

Life carried on for many years with no reason to question her American identity.

But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Citizenship Crisis

She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.

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

A Common Issue

This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.

Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.

Another Story

A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.

"I adapted to my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states.

Legal Background

For decades, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.

The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.

Current Fears

These concerns for adoptees and their families have increased substantially since shifts in administration.

Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.

"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional working with adoption law.

Stateless Feeling

"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.

"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.

"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."

Possible Resolution

Although these individuals being left in limbo 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 a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.

Last Appeal

The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences.

"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.

"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and honor with the promise that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."