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Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.

Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.

"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.

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 similar to that of many young Americans.

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

Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.

Her life progressed for decades with little cause to question her American identity.

However in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Citizenship Crisis

She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.

"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.

A Common Issue

This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.

Dozens adopted individuals have been deported to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to advocacy groups.

Additional Account

Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.

"I settled into my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.

Historical Context

Over many years, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.

The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.

Present Concerns

These concerns for adopted individuals 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.

"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.

Stateless Feeling

"Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.

"I frequently explain that one document 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 left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case 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 guardians 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 others like her could share their experiences.

"I would request to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.

"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."