Girl Without a Country

Girl Without a Country, Volume 1, explores the profound legal and moral struggle of Martha Graber, a Mennonite nurse and conscientious objector. In 1929, Graber faced twice-denied citizenship applications because she refused to pledge she would take up arms in defense of the United States. This history book examines her nineteen-month battle for naturalization, a case that captured national attention and involved a diverse coalition of religious leaders, lawyers, and peace advocates.

Rick Ramseyer provides a detailed account of this landmark fight, tracing historical connections from Alsace-Lorraine to the American heartland. Girl Without a Country, Volume 1, connects Graber's personal journey to controversial Supreme Court decisions and broader themes of immigration and patriotism. This historical narrative investigates the complexities of conscientious objection and the fundamental requirements of American citizenship through a compelling, real-life legal drama.