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One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.

Hailing from South Korea, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who went back shortly after Shirley was born.

"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can put 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.

An American Upbringing

Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.

"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.

Shirley had children, got married and worked as a piano teacher.

Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.

However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

She misplaced her government identification and required a new one.

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

"I experienced an emotional collapse after finding out I lacked citizenship," she says.

A Common Issue

Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000.

Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.

Another Story

Another woman, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was just a toddler.

"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 states.

Historical Context

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

The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.

Present Concerns

These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration.

Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.

"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly 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 merely documentation issues," she said.

"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.

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

Possible Resolution

Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.

"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.

Last Appeal

Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.

"I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said.

"We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."