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Shirley Chung was only twelve months when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.

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

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

After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who took her back to the Lone Star State.

An American Upbringing

Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many young Americans.

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

Shirley had children, got married and worked as a music instructor.

Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.

But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Citizenship Crisis

She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she needed to prove her status in the country.

"I experienced a little mental breakdown after finding out I lacked citizenship," she explains.

Widespread Problem

Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.

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

Additional Account

A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was two years old.

"I adapted to my existence, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I continue to feel that today," she says.

Historical Context

For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.

Current Fears

Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.

Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.

"When the election results were announced, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted an attorney working with adoptee cases.

Lacking National Identity

"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. 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 fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.

"From my perspective currently, I feel without a country."

Possible Resolution

Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.

"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be equal to their biological siblings 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 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 put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."