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Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.

Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.

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

Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who took her back to the Lone Star State.

Growing Up American

She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most American youths.

"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.

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

Her life progressed for many years with little cause to doubt her US citizenship.

But then in 2012, her world came crashing 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 a little mental breakdown upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.

A Common Issue

This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.

Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.

Additional Account

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

"I settled into 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

Over many years, international 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 children adopted from abroad.

Current Fears

Those fears for adopted individuals and their families have risen even further since shifts in administration.

Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have gone into hiding.

"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said an attorney specializing in adoption law.

Lacking National Identity

"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that your presence is lawful 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.

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

Potential Solution

Despite adoptees being left in limbo for decades, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.

"This ought to be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said an attorney.

Final Plea

The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and others like her could share their experiences.

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

"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."