🔗 Share this article

One adoptee was only twelve months 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 returned home soon after Shirley was born.

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

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

An American Upbringing

Shirley grew up living a life similar to those of most American youths.

"I lived and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley says.

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

Her life progressed for many years 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 required a new one.

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

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

A Common Issue

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

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

Another Story

Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for concern about drawing notice of government officials, was adopted 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 continue to feel 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 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.

Present Concerns

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

Advocacy organizations say they have been overwhelmed by 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 a legal professional working with adoptee cases.

Lacking National Identity

"At the end of the day, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here and it's merely documentation issues," she expressed.

"I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she said.

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

Possible Resolution

Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for many years, attorneys believe it is simply a matter of political will that should unite people from all political parties.

"This ought to be an uncomplicated solution: adopted children should be equal to their biological siblings of parents who were American nationals at the time of birth," said a legal advocate.

Last Appeal

Shirley wishes she could meet with national leaders into a room, so she and similar individuals could explain their stories.

"I would ask him to please have some compassion. We're not illegal aliens," she stated.

"We were placed on planes as infants and young children. Just please hear our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States made to every of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."