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One adoptee was just a year old when she was adopted by a American couple during 1966.

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

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

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

Growing Up American

She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to those of most young Americans.

"I lived and breathed and got in trouble similar to other teenage Americans during the eighties. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.

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

Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her American identity.

But then in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Citizenship Crisis

She lost her Social Security card and needed a replacement.

However when she visited her government agency, Shirley was told she had to demonstrate her status in the country.

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

Widespread Problem

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

Numerous adopted individuals have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to adoptee rights organizations.

Additional Account

A different individual, who requested anonymity for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was taken in 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 continue to feel that today," she states.

Historical Context

Over many years, intercountry adoptions authorized through legal systems 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 adopted individuals and their relatives have increased substantially following recent political changes.

Adoptee rights groups say they have been overwhelmed by requests for help and certain individuals have gone into hiding.

"Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," said a legal professional specializing in adoption law.

Lacking National Identity

"At the end of the day, 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 right now, I feel without a country."

Possible Resolution

Although these individuals being left in limbo for many years, legal experts 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: adopted children should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the moment of their birth," commented a legal advocate.

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 please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she said.

"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. 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: American citizenship."