The Pacifist Who Couldn't Become American | Portland Maine News

In 1929, Martha Graber—a pacifist immigrant with dreams of becoming a medical missionary in Africa—was denied U.S. citizenship for refusing to swear she’d kill in defense of the country. Her case exposed the hypocrisy of a nation that barred women from serving in the military while demanding blood oaths from immigrants. Amid post-WWI anti-German sentiment and Mennonite prejudice, Martha’s story became a national flashpoint, revealing how deeply bias and fear shape immigration policy—and why her struggle still echoes today. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e9cff861d8d3c14e