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One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family during 1966.

Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.

"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.

Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.

An American Upbringing

Shirley grew up living a life similar to that of many young Americans.

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

She became a mother, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.

Life carried on for many years with no reason to question her US citizenship.

But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

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

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

"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she explains.

Widespread Problem

Shirley is not alone. Estimates 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, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.

Additional Account

A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.

"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel 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 created progress in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.

Current Fears

Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have increased substantially following shifts in administration.

Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.

"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoptee cases.

Stateless Feeling

"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.

"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.

"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel stateless."

Potential Solution

Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.

"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.

Last Appeal

The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.

"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.

"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."