One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple back in 1966.
Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.
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 that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.
Shirley had children, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Her life progressed for decades with no reason to question her American identity.
But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.
Citizenship Crisis
She lost her government identification and needed a replacement.
But when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.
"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says.
Widespread Problem
Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.
Additional Account
A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of authorities, was taken in by an US pair from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.
Current Fears
These concerns for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.
"Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases.
Stateless Feeling
"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.
"I always tell people this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.
"As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel without a country."
Potential Solution
Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be a straightforward fix: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.
Last Appeal
Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."
