Mike Slaven
@mcslaven.bsky.social
Author of "Securing Borders, Securing Power" (Columbia UP, 2022) http://tinyurl.com/yeywvdaa Doing migration politics/policy research, currently @colmigproject.bsky.social. Political speechwriter of yore. Obscure academic in provincial England, AZ guy 🌵
Pinned
Mike Slaven
@mcslaven.bsky.social
· May 13
Saying racism: calling anti-immigration policies racist as effective pro-immigrant politics in Arizona
Identifying anti-immigration policies as racist commonly features in political discourse in many majority-white countries. Both behavioralist studies of voter attitudes and studies of party positio...
www.tandfonline.com
Does calling anti-immigrant policies racist work at opposing them? Much analysis (validly) says no, but I have a new 📖 article 📖 on why this was essential to changing immigration politics in Arizona 🌵. Sometimes the effective arguments aren't already popular! 1/ www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
The easiest thing the Labour government could've done on immigration: Just take credit for numbers that are falling anyway! You don't need to change anything!
Instead, the way they've talked about migration has allowed the public to think immigration is going *up*.
Utter political incompetence.
Instead, the way they've talked about migration has allowed the public to think immigration is going *up*.
Utter political incompetence.
Most of the public think net migration increased last year, when in fact numbers halved.
New findings from the Ipsos/British Future Immigration Attitudes Tracker show that 56% of the public thinks immigration increased last year. Just 1 in 6 realise it was down
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
New findings from the Ipsos/British Future Immigration Attitudes Tracker show that 56% of the public thinks immigration increased last year. Just 1 in 6 realise it was down
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
November 27, 2025 at 10:44 AM
The easiest thing the Labour government could've done on immigration: Just take credit for numbers that are falling anyway! You don't need to change anything!
Instead, the way they've talked about migration has allowed the public to think immigration is going *up*.
Utter political incompetence.
Instead, the way they've talked about migration has allowed the public to think immigration is going *up*.
Utter political incompetence.
this article overall is a really succinct and sad summation of how the need to hold people accountable for January 6 fell into a complete failre; a lack of urgency from those with resources to tackle it, a lack of judgment from those who went ahead anyway.
"The history books will look back on what the country lost by not having a televised trial before November 2024 and historians will wonder what Fani Willis was thinking. And they'll just scratch their heads," Kreis, a law professor, told The Guardian… www.the-independent.com/news/world/a...
Fani Willis was the only one to seriously go after Trump over Jan 6 — and she blew it
Willis had her eye on the ball early, but a stunning error of judgement ‘stabbed the case right in the heart’, John Bowden writes.
www.the-independent.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:48 PM
this article overall is a really succinct and sad summation of how the need to hold people accountable for January 6 fell into a complete failre; a lack of urgency from those with resources to tackle it, a lack of judgment from those who went ahead anyway.
Reposted by Mike Slaven
"A longtime ICE official told me Bovino is “out of control,” and warned that his expanding role will lead to the detention of more U.S. citizens and “more hate and more violence.”"
NEW Every State is a Border Patrol State — why the Trump admin wants border agents to take over the mass deportation campaign and deliver the arrest numbers ICE has missed www.theatlantic.com/politics/202... @theatlantic.com
The Green Machine
Why the Border Patrol–not ICE—is taking over Trump’s mass-deportation campaign
www.theatlantic.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:23 PM
"A longtime ICE official told me Bovino is “out of control,” and warned that his expanding role will lead to the detention of more U.S. citizens and “more hate and more violence.”"
UVA’s board of visitors doing the utmost to ensure Spanberger cans all of them www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025...
Despite calls for a pause, presidential search committee says it will continue
The presidential search committee and the University’s external search firm announced Friday that the search would continue, despite a Faculty Senate resolution passed Nov. 14 which called for a pause...
www.cavalierdaily.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:15 PM
UVA’s board of visitors doing the utmost to ensure Spanberger cans all of them www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Mike Slaven
The other problem with this is that research is a type of spread bet/lottery. You do lots of it and hope some of it pans out. If we had a perfect way of selecting which small bits of science and scholarship we "need", we'd have solved the funding problem. But we don't know this.
'Science minister Patrick Vallance has rejected concerns that focusing on “doing fewer things better” in research will lead to funding being concentrated in larger research-intensive universities from the Russell Group.' 1/3
Post-16 plan ‘not recipe for Russell Group domination’ – Vallance
Science minister dismisses as ‘bizarre’ fears that government push for ‘teaching-only’ specialists will further concentrate research activity in small number of institutions
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:11 AM
The other problem with this is that research is a type of spread bet/lottery. You do lots of it and hope some of it pans out. If we had a perfect way of selecting which small bits of science and scholarship we "need", we'd have solved the funding problem. But we don't know this.
Reposted by Mike Slaven
DOGE was not a money-saving effort. It was an effort to chase down and prove right-wing conspiracy theories. They went after USAID to prove conspiracy theories about foreign aid. Then they went after SSA to, again, pursue conspiracy theories about Dems paying "illegals" to vote. 1/2
All DOGE accomplished was purging critical government staff, handing private data to outsiders, and sentencing thousands in developing countries to death by gutting USAID.
I don’t say this lightly: if there were any justice in this world, the people responsible for this devastation would be in jail
I don’t say this lightly: if there were any justice in this world, the people responsible for this devastation would be in jail
DOGE 'doesn't exist' with eight months left on its charter
U.S. President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency has disbanded with eight months left to its mandate.
www.cnbc.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:47 PM
DOGE was not a money-saving effort. It was an effort to chase down and prove right-wing conspiracy theories. They went after USAID to prove conspiracy theories about foreign aid. Then they went after SSA to, again, pursue conspiracy theories about Dems paying "illegals" to vote. 1/2
These plans from the government are extremely noxious and would eviscerate the rights of the accused, as the government generally becomes increasnigly authoritarian. "Sorry, the rights of the people are too complicated" www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
David Lammy considers scrapping jury trials for all but the most serious cases
Senior lawyers criticise justice secretary’s radical plan for England and Wales, saying it could ‘destroy justice as we know it’
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:03 AM
These plans from the government are extremely noxious and would eviscerate the rights of the accused, as the government generally becomes increasnigly authoritarian. "Sorry, the rights of the people are too complicated" www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
Reposted by Mike Slaven
Every American should have this in their wallet:
November 25, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Every American should have this in their wallet:
Reposted by Mike Slaven
NEWS --> BBC confirms to me that they did edit a line out of historian @rutgerbregman.com's speech. It called Trump "the most openly corrupt president in US history."
BBC also confirms this was done on the advice of lawyers. So Trump's threats worked.
New piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
BBC also confirms this was done on the advice of lawyers. So Trump's threats worked.
New piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
Trump’s Fury at BBC Gets Unnerving Results with Pro-MAGA Edit Stunner
First, British Broadcasting Corporation execs resigned after Trump complained about a segment. Now the BBC edited out a line from a historian that was critical of Trump. Where does this end?
newrepublic.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:10 PM
NEWS --> BBC confirms to me that they did edit a line out of historian @rutgerbregman.com's speech. It called Trump "the most openly corrupt president in US history."
BBC also confirms this was done on the advice of lawyers. So Trump's threats worked.
New piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
BBC also confirms this was done on the advice of lawyers. So Trump's threats worked.
New piece:
newrepublic.com/article/2036...
Reposted by Mike Slaven
good work guys you picked a fight in which Dems can stand up out of their permanent defensive crouch and go “our guy is a fucking astronaut and you’re an alcoholic tv host”
Gallego to Hegseth: "You will never ever be half the man that Sen. Kelly is. You, sir, are a coward. And the fact that you are following this order from the president shows how big of a coward you are. I can't wait until you are no longer the secretary of defense."
November 24, 2025 at 9:49 PM
good work guys you picked a fight in which Dems can stand up out of their permanent defensive crouch and go “our guy is a fucking astronaut and you’re an alcoholic tv host”
Interesting discussion in here of Kirk's death as destabilizing the MAGA mediascape. Kirk also had a reputation as a peacemaker among MAGA elites, who would be texting with everyone to smooth over disagreements -- easy to see how his absence may be reflected in events like the Trump-MTG split
When Charlie Kirk died, MAGA leaders promised it would unify the base, while rallying millions of previous skeptics to the fascist cause.
Neither has happened.
Even better, Kirk's death is causing MAGA infighting that is tearing at the seams.
www.salon.com/2025/11/24/c...
Neither has happened.
Even better, Kirk's death is causing MAGA infighting that is tearing at the seams.
www.salon.com/2025/11/24/c...
Charlie Kirk's death is tearing MAGA apart - Salon.com
The killing of the Turning Point USA founder didn’t unify the base — it triggered infighting
www.salon.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Interesting discussion in here of Kirk's death as destabilizing the MAGA mediascape. Kirk also had a reputation as a peacemaker among MAGA elites, who would be texting with everyone to smooth over disagreements -- easy to see how his absence may be reflected in events like the Trump-MTG split
Reposted by Mike Slaven
👀✈️. Unclear but 3rd country removal to Equatorial Guinea??
A small Journey plane landed in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. This is the first flight since Equatorial Guinea agreed to accept third-country nationals and it’s unclear if such nationals are on board. The plane departed Alexandria, LA yesterday and stopped in Barbados.
November 24, 2025 at 1:02 PM
👀✈️. Unclear but 3rd country removal to Equatorial Guinea??
Reposted by Mike Slaven
A recent UCL/More in Common 2025 study has similar findings to other studies on attitudes
23% would reduce international student numbers
24% would increase international student numbers
39% would maintain current levels
(June 2025 fieldwork, published Oct 2025)
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/s...
23% would reduce international student numbers
24% would increase international student numbers
39% would maintain current levels
(June 2025 fieldwork, published Oct 2025)
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/s...
November 23, 2025 at 10:59 PM
A recent UCL/More in Common 2025 study has similar findings to other studies on attitudes
23% would reduce international student numbers
24% would increase international student numbers
39% would maintain current levels
(June 2025 fieldwork, published Oct 2025)
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/s...
23% would reduce international student numbers
24% would increase international student numbers
39% would maintain current levels
(June 2025 fieldwork, published Oct 2025)
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/s...
Reposted by Mike Slaven
These are HEPI estimates of the 20 institutions affected: I think this illustrates the impact if the tariff is absorbed in full by institutions.
What share of the 6% tariff different universities may try to pass on to fees - or the impact might be on demand if they did - is not publicly known.
What share of the 6% tariff different universities may try to pass on to fees - or the impact might be on demand if they did - is not publicly known.
November 23, 2025 at 10:38 PM
These are HEPI estimates of the 20 institutions affected: I think this illustrates the impact if the tariff is absorbed in full by institutions.
What share of the 6% tariff different universities may try to pass on to fees - or the impact might be on demand if they did - is not publicly known.
What share of the 6% tariff different universities may try to pass on to fees - or the impact might be on demand if they did - is not publicly known.
A bad and stupid policy -- overseas fees already underwrite provision for domestic students -- but won't the universities "just pass the costs on to consumers," i.e., raise overseas fees by 6%? At first glance a 6% increase seems likely to be absorbed by most who are already willing to pay.
i: Reeves to unveil £600m raid on foreign student
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
November 24, 2025 at 10:56 AM
A bad and stupid policy -- overseas fees already underwrite provision for domestic students -- but won't the universities "just pass the costs on to consumers," i.e., raise overseas fees by 6%? At first glance a 6% increase seems likely to be absorbed by most who are already willing to pay.
Must-read @nesrinemalik.bsky.social on the link between Mahmood's "story" and policies. I would only add that the tensions grow in contrast to the policies that allowed for her family's integration: pre-1973, *immediate* settlement for most Commonwealth immigrants www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Shabana Mahmood is an avatar of open Britain – that’s what makes her fable about immigration so seductive | Nesrine Malik
‘She is the daughter of immigrants,’ supporters of her cruel asylum policies say. ‘How can she be wrong?’ Let me put them straight, says Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Must-read @nesrinemalik.bsky.social on the link between Mahmood's "story" and policies. I would only add that the tensions grow in contrast to the policies that allowed for her family's integration: pre-1973, *immediate* settlement for most Commonwealth immigrants www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Mike Slaven
Really important to stress that the Crown Jewels of the US higher education system were never the Ivies or elite SLACs (other countries have equivalents of these) but the well-funded, large, cheap, and excellently staffed public state university systems bringing high quality education to the masses.
One of the bragging rights that the US ed system had in the 20th century is that we didn't have education tracks. Essentially, any kid could go to a CC or state school & major in whatever they wanted to (obviously an oversimplification). I fear this aspect of the American dream is dying.
November 23, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Really important to stress that the Crown Jewels of the US higher education system were never the Ivies or elite SLACs (other countries have equivalents of these) but the well-funded, large, cheap, and excellently staffed public state university systems bringing high quality education to the masses.
Reposted by Mike Slaven
"my mother died in labour, turning blue in the process, and you want to help elect a Blue Labour government?!?!"
There are some truly unhinged bits in the piece about Glasman, as to be expected when dealing with Glasman, but seriously what the actual? That's...one hell of a conflation of terminology.
November 23, 2025 at 4:06 PM
"my mother died in labour, turning blue in the process, and you want to help elect a Blue Labour government?!?!"
Reposted by Mike Slaven
I do think it's worth addressing that the intellectual lodestar of this government is a gibbering idiot.
There are some truly unhinged bits in the piece about Glasman, as to be expected when dealing with Glasman, but seriously what the actual? That's...one hell of a conflation of terminology.
November 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM
I do think it's worth addressing that the intellectual lodestar of this government is a gibbering idiot.
Reposted by Mike Slaven
There are some truly unhinged bits in the piece about Glasman, as to be expected when dealing with Glasman, but seriously what the actual? That's...one hell of a conflation of terminology.
November 23, 2025 at 3:19 PM
There are some truly unhinged bits in the piece about Glasman, as to be expected when dealing with Glasman, but seriously what the actual? That's...one hell of a conflation of terminology.
Reposted by Mike Slaven
This is pretty striking and makes me wonder exactly what Labour have been up to in making policy seemingly in response to / fear of the former rather than the middle group.
Why do people think England flags have been raised on lampposts?
White adults
National pride: 26%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 49%
Both: 19%
Ethnic minority adults
National pride: 15%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 55%
Both: 20%
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
White adults
National pride: 26%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 49%
Both: 19%
Ethnic minority adults
National pride: 15%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 55%
Both: 20%
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
November 22, 2025 at 8:01 PM
This is pretty striking and makes me wonder exactly what Labour have been up to in making policy seemingly in response to / fear of the former rather than the middle group.
Mamdani is extremely charming and also the last guy to talk to Trump. Are we really surprised Trump has decided for 10 minutes that he likes him
Q: Are you affirming that you think President Trump is a fascist?
MAMDANI: I've spoken about--
TRUMP: That's okay. You can just say yes. I don't mind.
MAMDANI: I've spoken about--
TRUMP: That's okay. You can just say yes. I don't mind.
November 21, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Mamdani is extremely charming and also the last guy to talk to Trump. Are we really surprised Trump has decided for 10 minutes that he likes him
Reposted by Mike Slaven
I’ve been REALLY reticent to use the term “disappear” to refer to people arrested by immigration enforcement, even when there’s now routinely a lag of hours or days before loved ones know where they’re being held.
This is an actual literal disappearance. www.ms.now/msnbc/news/i...
This is an actual literal disappearance. www.ms.now/msnbc/news/i...
A man missing for weeks and the immigration system that lost him
Vicente Ventura Aguilar got picked up last month, but his family doesn’t know if he’s dead or alive. ICE says he’s not in their system, so they say they can’t help.
www.ms.now
November 21, 2025 at 4:13 PM
I’ve been REALLY reticent to use the term “disappear” to refer to people arrested by immigration enforcement, even when there’s now routinely a lag of hours or days before loved ones know where they’re being held.
This is an actual literal disappearance. www.ms.now/msnbc/news/i...
This is an actual literal disappearance. www.ms.now/msnbc/news/i...
Reposted by Mike Slaven
Via @annabjournalist.bsky.social: Alabama's new state Senate map was designed by an 18-year-old University of Alabama freshman who submitted his proposals, unsolicited, to a federal court hearing a lawsuit over the districts.
University of Alabama freshman draws state's court-ordered Senate map | Alabama Reflector
TUSCALOOSA — Daniel DiDonato says he’s been passionate about elections since he was a young child. He submitted six maps to a federal court.
alabamareflector.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Via @annabjournalist.bsky.social: Alabama's new state Senate map was designed by an 18-year-old University of Alabama freshman who submitted his proposals, unsolicited, to a federal court hearing a lawsuit over the districts.
Reposted by Mike Slaven
Labour is desperately trying to appeal to Reform supporters. In October, we asked people in the UK if they perceive a party as a "party for someone like them". Only very few people say this for both Labour and Reform. The correlation is negative. Labour is chasing an electorate that does not exist.
November 21, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Labour is desperately trying to appeal to Reform supporters. In October, we asked people in the UK if they perceive a party as a "party for someone like them". Only very few people say this for both Labour and Reform. The correlation is negative. Labour is chasing an electorate that does not exist.