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

Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.

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

After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to Texas.

Growing Up American

Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most young Americans.

"I lived and breathed and found mischief similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.

She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.

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

However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

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

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

Widespread Problem

This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.

Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.

Another Story

A different individual, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about attracting the attention of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.

"I settled into my existence, consistently believing that I was a US national. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she states.

Legal Background

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

The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.

Present Concerns

Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.

Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.

"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.

Stateless Feeling

"Ultimately, they don't care about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.

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

"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."

Potential Solution

Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.

"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the time of birth," commented an attorney.

Last Appeal

Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.

"I would request to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.

"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the commitment that America gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."