🔗 Share this article American Adoptees Facing Anxiety of Removal to Unfamiliar Homelands An adoptee, right, along with another adoptee who requested anonymity One adoptee was only twelve months when she was adopted by a US family back in 1966. Hailing from the Korean peninsula, her birth father was a member of the US armed forces, who returned home 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 American pair, who brought her to Texas. Growing Up American She was raised living a life similar to those of most American youths. "I lived and breathed and got in trouble like many American teenagers of the 80s. I'm a child of the 80s," Shirley says. She experienced a childhood much like that of many young Americans Shirley had children, got married and became a piano teacher. Life carried on for decades with no reason to doubt her US citizenship. However in 2012, her life was turned upside down. Citizenship Crisis She misplaced her Social Security card and required a new one. But 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 after finding out I wasn't a citizen," she says. A Common Issue Shirley is not alone. Approximations of how many US adopted individuals are without citizenship range from 18,000 to 75,000. Dozens adoptees have been removed to their countries of birth in recent years, according to advocacy groups. An adoptee from Iran, who requested to not be identified Another Story A different individual, who requested anonymity for fear of 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, consistently believing that I was an American citizen. That's what I was told. I still believe that today," she states. Legal Background For decades, international adoptions authorized through courts and government agencies did not automatically guarantee US citizenship. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 created progress in addressing this issue, providing immediate citizenship to international adoptees. Numerous adopted individuals fear immigration raids although they came in the US as minors Current Fears Those fears for adoptees and their families have risen even further since recent political changes. Adoptee rights groups say they have been flooded with assistance inquiries and certain individuals have disappeared from public view. "Following political outcomes were announced, it began increasing significantly with requests for help," noted a legal professional specializing in adoption law. Lacking National Identity "Ultimately, they don't care about your personal history. They don't care that you're legally here and it's just a paperwork error," she said. "I frequently explain this one single piece of paper has fundamentally damaged my life," she stated. "As far as I'm concerned currently, I feel stateless." The adoptee, now in her 60s, urges the president to provide her, and similar individuals, citizenship Possible Resolution Although these individuals 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. "It should be a straightforward fix: children through adoption should be treated the same as their natural brothers and sisters of parents who were American nationals at the moment of their birth," said a legal advocate. Last Appeal The adoptee hopes she could meet with national leaders for a discussion, so she and others like her could share their experiences. "I would request to show understanding. We're not illegal aliens," she said. "We were placed on planes as little itty-bitty babies. Please listen to our accounts and honor with the commitment that America made to every of the babies that got on those planes: American citizenship."