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Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.

Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.

"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, now 61.

After around a year, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a American pair, who brought her to Texas.

An American Upbringing

Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many American youths.

"I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley recalls.

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

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

But then in 2012, her life was turned upside down.

Citizenship Crisis

She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

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

"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.

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 adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups.

Another Story

A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was adopted by an American couple 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.

Historical Context

Over many years, intercountry adoptions approved by legal systems did not assure US citizenship.

The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.

Current Fears

Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further following recent political changes.

Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding.

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

Lacking National Identity

"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that your presence is lawful and it's just a paperwork error," she said.

"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.

"As far as I'm concerned right now, I feel without a country."

Possible Resolution

Although these individuals being in legal uncertainty for decades, legal experts believe it is just a case of political will that should unite people from across the political spectrum.

"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," said an attorney.

Final Plea

The adoptee hopes she could get the US president into a room, so she and others like her could explain their stories.

"I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said.

"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the children that were brought here: US nationality."