US citizen born in China hard time getting a visa

Dear Sir/Madame,
I was told that I need either the original passport when I enter the US or the Chinese Birth Certificate in order to get the visa..
I am 69 years old and came to the US in 1955 and my parents have passed away and did not give it to me. I was born in a Gguangzhou villiage in 1948 and did not receive a Birth Certificate.
All my friends and relatives have gone to China and I hope that I would be able to see China with its modern developments before I become too old. I hope that you would be kind enough to waive this requirement. Thank you.