One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father served of the American military, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to Texas.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most young Americans.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.
Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her American identity.
However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.
But when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention 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 an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
For decades, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.
Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted an attorney working with adoption law.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.
"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate.
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 put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."
