One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Born in South Korea, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, now 61.
Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.
Growing Up American
Shirley grew up living a life similar to that of many young Americans.
"I moved and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and became a music instructor.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.
However in 2012, her world came crashing down.
Citizenship Crisis
She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.
However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was informed she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.
"I had a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.
Dozens adoptees have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of 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 still believe that today," she says.
Legal Background
Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she expressed.
"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."
Possible Resolution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.
Final Plea
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: American citizenship."
