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Shirley Chung was just a year old when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966.

Born in South Korea, her biological father served of the American military, who returned home soon after Shirley was born.

"He abandoned us, is the kindest phrasing I can express it," says Shirley, currently in her sixties.

Approximately one year later, Shirley was adopted by a American pair, who brought her to the Lone Star State.

An American Upbringing

Shirley grew up living a life comparable with that of many American youths.

"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.

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

Life carried on for decades with no reason to question her US citizenship.

But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Citizenship Crisis

She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one.

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

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

Widespread Problem

This situation isn't unique. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.

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

Additional Account

A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of attracting the attention of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from Iran in 1973 when she was two years old.

"I settled into my life, always understanding that I was a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.

Historical Context

For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.

The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 created progress in rectifying this, granting automatic citizenship to children adopted from abroad.

Current Fears

These concerns for adoptees 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 gone into hiding.

"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said an attorney working with adoptee cases.

Lacking National Identity

"At the end of the day, authorities aren't concerned about your personal history. They're not interested that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.

"I always tell people that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.

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

Possible Resolution

Although these individuals being left in limbo for decades, legal experts believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from across the political spectrum.

"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.

Last Appeal

Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, 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 little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that the United States gave each one of the children that were brought here: US nationality."