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One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.

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

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

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

Growing Up American

Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most American youths.

"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.

Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a music instructor.

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

But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Citizenship Crisis

She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.

However when she went to her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.

"I experienced a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.

Widespread Problem

This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.

Dozens adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.

Another Story

A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.

"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she states.

Historical Context

Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by 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 children adopted from abroad.

Current Fears

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

Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.

"Following political outcomes were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.

Lacking National Identity

"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she said.

"I always tell people that one document of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.

"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."

Possible Resolution

Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.

"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.

Last Appeal

The adoptee hopes 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 said.

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