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One adoptee was just a year old when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966.

Hailing from South Korea, her birth father served of the US armed forces, who went back soon after Shirley was born.

"He left us behind, is the nicest way I can put it," states Shirley, currently in her sixties.

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

Growing Up American

She was raised living a life similar to that of many American youths.

"I moved and breathed and got in trouble similar to other American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.

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

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

However in 2012, her life was turned upside down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was told she needed to prove her legal standing in the country.

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

A Common Issue

This situation isn't unique. Approximations of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between thousands to tens of thousands.

Numerous adoptees have been removed to their nations of origin in the past decade, according to adoptee rights organizations.

Additional Account

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

"I adapted to my existence, always understanding that I was an American citizen. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she states.

Legal Background

Over many years, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship.

The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.

Current Fears

These concerns for adoptees and their families have risen even further since recent political changes.

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

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

Stateless Feeling

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

"I frequently explain that one document of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated.

"From my perspective right now, I feel without a country."

Possible Resolution

Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of legislative action that should unite people from all political parties.

"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their natural brothers and sisters of guardians who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said an attorney.

Last Appeal

The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences.

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

"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the promise that the United States made to every of the babies that got on those planes: US nationality."