One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.
Hailing from South Korea, her biological father was a member of the American military, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.
"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.
After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.
An American Upbringing
Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths.
"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.
She became a mother, entered matrimony and worked as a piano teacher.
Life carried on for decades with little cause to doubt 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 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 upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she explains.
Widespread Problem
This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.
Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, as reported by advocacy groups.
Another Story
A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was taken in by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.
"I settled into my life, consistently believing that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.
Historical Context
Over many years, international adoptions authorized through legal systems did not assure US citizenship.
The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees.
Present Concerns
Those fears for adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially since shifts in administration.
Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.
"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted an attorney working with adoptee cases.
Lacking National Identity
"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They're not interested that your presence is lawful and it's merely documentation issues," she said.
"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she said.
"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."
Potential Solution
Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.
"It should be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.
Last Appeal
The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.
"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she stated.
"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that were brought here: US nationality."