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One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.

Born in the Korean peninsula, 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," states Shirley, now 61.

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

Growing Up American

She was raised experiencing a lifestyle comparable with that of many American youths.

"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.

She became a mother, got married and worked as a piano teacher.

Life carried on for decades with little cause to question her American identity.

However in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Citizenship Crisis

She misplaced her government identification and needed a replacement.

But when she went to her government agency, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country.

"I had an emotional collapse upon discovering I wasn't a citizen," she says.

Widespread Problem

This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.

Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in the past decade, as reported by adoptee rights organizations.

Another Story

A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of drawing notice of government officials, was adopted by an American couple from the Middle East 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 approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in addressing this issue, granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees.

Present Concerns

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

Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view.

"When the election results came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoptee cases.

Lacking National Identity

"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said.

"I always tell people that one document 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 left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should gain bipartisan support from all political parties.

"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: children through adoption should be treated the same as their biological siblings of guardians who were US citizens at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.

Final Plea

Shirley wishes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and others like her could explain their stories.

"I would ask him to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.

"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Please listen to our accounts and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that were brought here: American citizenship."