Joel Laverne Slater: The American Who Voluntarily Became Stateless
In a rare and drastic act of political protest, Joel Laverne Slater chose to sever his legal ties to his home country, transforming himself into a man without a country. Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Slater became a symbol of extreme dissent when he renounced his United States citizenship in 1987, sparking a years-long struggle with identity, legality, and survival.
Slater's decision was not a pursuit of another nationality, but a targeted strike against the U.S. government. By voluntarily making himself stateless—a condition where an individual is not considered a national by any state under the operation of its law—he sought to voice his opposition to the foreign policy of the Ronald Reagan administration.
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Key Facts
- Renunciation Date: December 1987 in Perth, Australia.
- Primary Motivation: Protest against U.S. foreign policy, specifically the 1986 bombing of Libya.
- Legal Status: Became stateless after plans for Australian citizenship failed.
- Travel Document: Used a World Passport issued by the World Service Authority.
- Citizenship Restoration: Regained U.S. citizenship in 1993.
The Act of Renunciation
In December 1987, Slater appeared before the U.S. consul in Perth, Australia, to formally renounce his citizenship. The U.S. State Department processed the request and issued him a Certificate of Loss of Nationality, a legal document confirming that an individual is no longer a U.S. citizen.
While approximately 300 Americans renounced their citizenship annually at the time, most did so to acquire citizenship in another country. Slater's path was different. Although he initially planned to marry an Australian woman and obtain citizenship through her, those plans collapsed, leaving him with no legal nationality. He famously compared his action to canceling a membership at a country club where one dislikes the behavior of the directors.
Life as a Stateless Refugee
Following the revocation of his passport, the Australian government deported Slater. He was readmitted to the United States via humanitarian parole—a temporary permission to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons—though Slater stated he did not desire this arrangement.
Determined to find a new home, Slater embarked on a series of desperate journeys. He traveled between the U.S. and Mexico and eventually hitchhiked across Canada to Newfoundland. From there, he took a ferry to Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French overseas territory. He targeted this location because France was a signatory to the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, an international treaty designed to protect the rights of people without nationality.
Despite his efforts, the territorial prefect denied him permission to stay. The attempt was marked by volatility; his lawyer, Gary Botting, noted that the situation escalated into a "mini riot" involving local fishermen.
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Hardship and the Return to Citizenship
Returning to the U.S. brought new challenges. Because he had departed the country, his work authorization had expired and his Social Security Number was no longer valid. By March 1991, Slater was living in an abandoned building near railroad tracks in Tucson, Arizona.
Slater attempted to seek admission to Norway, but was rejected because he lacked a job offer. The U.S. government also refused to provide him with a refugee travel document. Despite these hardships, Slater remained defiant in a 1992 interview, comparing his protest to the actions of the Sons of Liberty during the Boston Tea Party.
By late 1992, Slater expressed hope that President Bill Clinton could restore his citizenship via executive order. His efforts were successful, and he officially regained his U.S. citizenship in 1993.
Personal Life and Legacy
Joel Laverne Slater was born to Jerry L. Slater and Shirley M. Rodery Slater. His family included a sister, Debra, and two brothers (one of whom died in infancy). His mother later married Robert G. Papach, with whom she had a son, James.
| Year | Event | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Renounced citizenship in Perth, Australia | Stateless |
| 1987-1992 | Attempts to settle in Mexico, Canada, and France | Stateless / Parolee |
| 1991 | Living in abandoned building in Tucson, AZ | Stateless |
| 1993 | Restoration of U.S. citizenship | U.S. Citizen |
Slater passed away at his home in Pocatello, Idaho, on March 26, 2008. His body was discovered five days later. He is survived by his children Trent, Nancy, and Christine, as well as his father, sister, and half-brother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joel Laverne Slater renounce his citizenship?
Slater renounced his citizenship to protest the foreign policy of the Ronald Reagan administration, specifically citing the 1986 bombing of Libya.
What is a Certificate of Loss of Nationality?
It is an official document issued by the U.S. State Department confirming that a person has legally renounced their U.S. citizenship.
Why did Slater try to enter Saint Pierre and Miquelon?
He chose this French territory because France was a signatory to the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, which he hoped would grant him legal admission.
How did Slater eventually regain his citizenship?
After years of living as a stateless person and experiencing significant hardship, Slater requested the restoration of his citizenship, which was granted in 1993.
What is a World Passport?
A World Passport is a travel document issued by the World Service Authority (founded by Garry Davis), which Slater used as his only form of identification while stateless.