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One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.

Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.

"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.

After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who took her back to Texas.

Growing Up American

She was raised living a life comparable with that of many American youths.

"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many 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.

Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.

But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.

Citizenship Crisis

She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.

However when she visited her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her status in the country.

"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.

Widespread Problem

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

Dozens adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.

Additional Account

Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an US pair from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.

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

Historical Context

Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.

Present Concerns

Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially since recent political changes.

Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and some adoptees have gone into hiding.

"When the election results were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law.

Lacking National Identity

"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.

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

"From my perspective currently, I feel stateless."

Possible Resolution

Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of political will that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.

"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented 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 ask him 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 promise that America gave each one of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."