🔗 Share this article US Children Adopted Abroad Facing Anxiety of Deportation to Unfamiliar Countries of Origin Shirley Chung, right, along with another adoptee choosing anonymity One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a American couple back in 1966. Born in the Korean peninsula, her biological father served of the American military, who went back soon after Shirley was born. "He left us behind, 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 took her back to the Lone Star State. Growing Up American She was raised experiencing a lifestyle similar to that of many American youths. "I moved and breathed and found mischief like many teenage Americans during the eighties. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says. She experienced a childhood similar to that of many American children She became a mother, got married and worked as a music instructor. Life carried on for decades with little cause to question her American identity. However in 2012, her life was turned upside down. Discovering Non-Citizen Status She lost her Social Security card and required a new one. However when she went to her local Social Security office, Shirley was informed she had to demonstrate her legal standing in the country. "I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says. Widespread Problem Shirley is not alone. Estimates of how many American adoptees are without citizenship vary between 18,000 to 75,000. Numerous adoptees have been deported to their nations of origin in recent years, according to advocacy groups. An adoptee of Iranian origin, who requested to not be identified Additional Account Another woman, preferring to remain unnamed for fear of attracting the attention of authorities, 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 a US national. That was what I learned. I still believe that today," she says. Historical Context For decades, intercountry adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship. The Children's Citizenship Law of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees. Numerous adopted individuals are concerned about immigration raids although they came in the US as minors Current Fears Those fears for adoptees and their relatives have risen even further since shifts in administration. Advocacy organizations say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and some adoptees have gone into hiding. "Following political outcomes came in, it started to really cascade with pleas for assistance," noted a legal professional specializing in adoptee cases. Lacking National Identity "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 this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated. "From my perspective currently, I feel stateless." The adoptee, currently elderly, urges the president to help finally grant her, and similar individuals, legal status Potential Solution Despite adoptees 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. "It should 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. Final Plea Shirley wishes she could get the US president into a room, so she and similar individuals could share their experiences. "I would request to show understanding. We aren't undocumented immigrants," she said. "We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our story and please follow through with the promise that the United States gave each one of the children that got on those planes: US nationality."