American Children Adopted Abroad Facing Anxiety of Deportation to Unfamiliar Homelands

One adoptee was only twelve months when she was taken in by a US family back in 1966.

Born in the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home shortly after Shirley was born.

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

After around a year, Shirley was adopted by a US couple, who brought her to Texas.

Growing Up American

Shirley grew up experiencing a lifestyle comparable with those of most young Americans.

"I moved and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers of the 80s. I belong of the 80s," Shirley recalls.

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

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

However in 2012, her world came crashing down.

Discovering Non-Citizen Status

She lost her Social Security card and required a new one.

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

"I had a little mental breakdown upon discovering I lacked citizenship," she says.

Widespread Problem

Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000.

Numerous adopted individuals have been deported to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups.

Additional Account

Another woman, who requested anonymity for concern about 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 an American citizen. That's what I was told. I continue to feel that today," she says.

Historical Context

For decades, international adoptions approved by courts and government agencies did not assure US citizenship.

The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 made some headway in rectifying this, providing immediate citizenship to children adopted from abroad.

Current Fears

Those fears for adoptees 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.

"When the election results came in, it started to really cascade with requests for help," noted a legal professional working with adoption law.

Lacking National Identity

"Ultimately, 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 this one single piece of paper has essentially just ruined my life," she stated.

"From my perspective right now, I feel stateless."

Possible Resolution

Despite adoptees being in legal uncertainty for decades, 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 equal to their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were US citizens at the time of birth," commented a legal advocate.

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 stated.

"We were put on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Just please hear our story and honor with the promise that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."