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

Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born.

"He abandoned us, is the nicest way I can express it," states Shirley, now 61.

Approximately one year later, Shirley was welcomed into the home of a US couple, who brought her to the Lone Star State.

Growing Up American

Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many young Americans.

"I moved and breathed and found mischief like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says.

She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor.

Life carried on for decades with little cause to question her US citizenship.

However in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Citizenship Crisis

She misplaced her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

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

"I had an emotional collapse after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she explains.

Widespread Problem

Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many American adoptees lack citizenship range from thousands to tens of thousands.

Numerous adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.

Additional Account

A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about attracting the attention of authorities, was taken in by an American couple from the Middle East in 1973 when she was just a toddler.

"I adapted to my life, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she says.

Legal Background

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

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

Current Fears

These concerns for adoptees and their relatives have increased substantially since recent political changes.

Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with requests for help and some adoptees have disappeared from public view.

"Following political outcomes came in, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," said an attorney specializing in adoptee cases.

Stateless Feeling

"Ultimately, authorities aren't concerned about your back story. 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 essentially just ruined my life," she said.

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

Possible Resolution

Despite adoptees being left in limbo for many years, legal experts believe it is just a case of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.

"It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," commented an attorney.

Last Appeal

The adoptee hopes she could get the US president for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.

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

"We were put on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and honor with the commitment that the United States gave each one of the babies that were brought here: American citizenship."