Sonia L
@sonial77.bsky.social
Human rights lawyer. Migrant. Queer. Raspberry farmer. Personal account, obvs. She/her
Pinned
Sonia L
@sonial77.bsky.social
· Nov 13
My spirit animal joins us (and I am particularly feeling him this week)!
Reposted by Sonia L
Congratulations to Rasheedat, a bisexual woman from Nigeria, who has just been granted #refugee status! 🌈
She can now rebuild her life, supported by our moving on team 💜
Her story was previously featured on our website - read it here: microrainbow.org/bisexual-day...
She can now rebuild her life, supported by our moving on team 💜
Her story was previously featured on our website - read it here: microrainbow.org/bisexual-day...
Bisexual Day of Visibility: Rasheedat's story
This Bisexual Day of Visibility, read about Rasheedat, who fled Nigeria after facing persecution for her sexuality. #changingLGBTQiLives
microrainbow.org
January 6, 2026 at 10:48 AM
Congratulations to Rasheedat, a bisexual woman from Nigeria, who has just been granted #refugee status! 🌈
She can now rebuild her life, supported by our moving on team 💜
Her story was previously featured on our website - read it here: microrainbow.org/bisexual-day...
She can now rebuild her life, supported by our moving on team 💜
Her story was previously featured on our website - read it here: microrainbow.org/bisexual-day...
Reposted by Sonia L
The government closed overseas recruitment of care workers. It has increased skills and salary thresholds effectively closing off overseas recruitment in most jobs. Settlement will be out of reach to many thousands by increasing the qualifying period forcing them to leave.
January 6, 2026 at 8:29 AM
The government closed overseas recruitment of care workers. It has increased skills and salary thresholds effectively closing off overseas recruitment in most jobs. Settlement will be out of reach to many thousands by increasing the qualifying period forcing them to leave.
Reposted by Sonia L
In the end, someone has to ask *why* people have been persuaded to be so terrified of immigration, when it has so many benefits and so few real downsides. Almost all of the claimed downsides are either lies or misinterpretations of statistics.
Why would any sane country do this to itself?
Why would any sane country do this to itself?
January 6, 2026 at 8:13 AM
In the end, someone has to ask *why* people have been persuaded to be so terrified of immigration, when it has so many benefits and so few real downsides. Almost all of the claimed downsides are either lies or misinterpretations of statistics.
Why would any sane country do this to itself?
Why would any sane country do this to itself?
Reposted by Sonia L
I'm afraid there *is* an obvious answer: it can't.
January 6, 2026 at 7:10 AM
I'm afraid there *is* an obvious answer: it can't.
Reposted by Sonia L
in case you missed this piece in the pre-Festive partying, (I did) here is a very moving account of surviving (just) the crossing to Italy and all that goes before: www.opendemocracy.net/en/libya-eu-...
Europe is paying Libya to torture migrants on its behalf
On a rescue ship in the Mediterranean, a survivor tells of their detainment in Libya, which the EU helped to support
www.opendemocracy.net
January 5, 2026 at 4:09 PM
in case you missed this piece in the pre-Festive partying, (I did) here is a very moving account of surviving (just) the crossing to Italy and all that goes before: www.opendemocracy.net/en/libya-eu-...
Reposted by Sonia L
In an effort to prevent a small group of people with 'pre-settled status' from temporarily claiming benefits, the government is now arguing that the EUSS is not evidence of Withdrawal Agreement residence status.
January 5, 2026 at 2:37 PM
In an effort to prevent a small group of people with 'pre-settled status' from temporarily claiming benefits, the government is now arguing that the EUSS is not evidence of Withdrawal Agreement residence status.
Reposted by Sonia L
Legal practitioners: Sign-up now available for free legal training seminar on 4 February on representing Albanian asylum cases, held jointly with @gardencourtlaw.bsky.social. To register: bit.ly/4qxewyV
December 29, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Legal practitioners: Sign-up now available for free legal training seminar on 4 February on representing Albanian asylum cases, held jointly with @gardencourtlaw.bsky.social. To register: bit.ly/4qxewyV
Reposted by Sonia L
There’s appeal across the political spectrum, and you take the fight head on with the rule breakers of the former Tory govt and the rule destroyers of the far-right.
But this govt have taken cowardice over justice every time. Bankers bonuses, Israel, Trump, ECHR, winter fuel, immigration…
But this govt have taken cowardice over justice every time. Bankers bonuses, Israel, Trump, ECHR, winter fuel, immigration…
January 5, 2026 at 9:01 AM
There’s appeal across the political spectrum, and you take the fight head on with the rule breakers of the former Tory govt and the rule destroyers of the far-right.
But this govt have taken cowardice over justice every time. Bankers bonuses, Israel, Trump, ECHR, winter fuel, immigration…
But this govt have taken cowardice over justice every time. Bankers bonuses, Israel, Trump, ECHR, winter fuel, immigration…
Reposted by Sonia L
Searches article in vain for evidence that these people are or were “left-leaning”. Remembers that the Times is no longer a serious newspaper. Notes that Mumsnet’s Justine Roberts has “robust” views on immigration. Remembers where transphobes always end up
"Left-leaning mothers of Mumsnet are deserting Labour for Reform" [Times]
I can't stop laughing long enough to come up with something sarcastic to say about this headline.
I can't stop laughing long enough to come up with something sarcastic to say about this headline.
January 4, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Searches article in vain for evidence that these people are or were “left-leaning”. Remembers that the Times is no longer a serious newspaper. Notes that Mumsnet’s Justine Roberts has “robust” views on immigration. Remembers where transphobes always end up
Reposted by Sonia L
The MA War Studies programme at King's College London is led by someone who predicts race-based civil war driven by multiculturalism, guests on far-right podcasts, loves Orbán's Hungary, and echoes the Kremlin's talking points. And they say academia is woke...
The worst civil conflict in western Europe since WW2, which ran for thirty years *in the actual UK*, reduced to a 'something like' analogy for race war fantasies by a London academic. No words. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
January 4, 2026 at 3:29 PM
The MA War Studies programme at King's College London is led by someone who predicts race-based civil war driven by multiculturalism, guests on far-right podcasts, loves Orbán's Hungary, and echoes the Kremlin's talking points. And they say academia is woke...
Reposted by Sonia L
Europe needs to get much more comfortable threatening Trump with serious deterrent measures, and if necessary implementing them. Tariffs, taxes & bans on US firms; selloffs of US Treasuries; expulsions of American troops; sanctions on individuals. Speak his language: strength.
Why should Trump stop at Venezuela? They’re champing at the bit for territorial expansion. Katie Miller, Stephen Miller‘s wife, posted a map of Greenland marked as a US territory with the words „SOON“.
January 4, 2026 at 12:40 PM
Europe needs to get much more comfortable threatening Trump with serious deterrent measures, and if necessary implementing them. Tariffs, taxes & bans on US firms; selloffs of US Treasuries; expulsions of American troops; sanctions on individuals. Speak his language: strength.
Reposted by Sonia L
All it takes for evil to thrive is for mediocre world leaders to say “I’d rather not say”
January 4, 2026 at 11:39 AM
All it takes for evil to thrive is for mediocre world leaders to say “I’d rather not say”
Reposted by Sonia L
It's quite incredible how this poor and inaccurate tool has been prioritised and integrated *so* effectively that I regularly have people tell me something they've 'looked up' and I have to say 'you're not just reading the AI overview are you' and they are.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Google AI Overviews put people at risk of harm with misleading health advice
Exclusive: Inaccurate information presented in summaries, Guardian investigation finds
www.theguardian.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:54 AM
It's quite incredible how this poor and inaccurate tool has been prioritised and integrated *so* effectively that I regularly have people tell me something they've 'looked up' and I have to say 'you're not just reading the AI overview are you' and they are.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Sonia L
Now it may be cruel, but judging by the replies I do think we need to build a Great Firewall to keep the Americans out of this app.
oh is the traitors back on tv? none of you have mentioned it??
January 3, 2026 at 3:47 AM
Now it may be cruel, but judging by the replies I do think we need to build a Great Firewall to keep the Americans out of this app.
Reposted by Sonia L
Imagine being the person brave enough to leak this in the hopes that media attention could stop it and then the media just……buries it.
NEW: Plans for secret U.S. raid to capture Maduro leaked to the Washington Post and New York Times before it happened, but both decided not to publish to protect U.S. troops - Semafor
January 4, 2026 at 4:36 AM
Imagine being the person brave enough to leak this in the hopes that media attention could stop it and then the media just……buries it.
Reposted by Sonia L
Apropos of absolutely nothing. Here's a collection of Harriet Tyce's books in a delightful little bundle.
Anyway, I'm off to watch The Traitors.
bertsbooks.co.uk/product/the-...
Anyway, I'm off to watch The Traitors.
bertsbooks.co.uk/product/the-...
January 1, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Apropos of absolutely nothing. Here's a collection of Harriet Tyce's books in a delightful little bundle.
Anyway, I'm off to watch The Traitors.
bertsbooks.co.uk/product/the-...
Anyway, I'm off to watch The Traitors.
bertsbooks.co.uk/product/the-...
Reposted by Sonia L
Migrants are at the heart of our art, our music, our whole history. That’s what the right won’t admit to you | Rowan Williams
Migrants are at the heart of our art, our music, our whole history. That’s what the right won’t admit to you | Rowan Williams
From Britain’s medieval buildings to western pop and contemporary art, these creations showcase our interwoven stories, says former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams
www.theguardian.com
January 3, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Migrants are at the heart of our art, our music, our whole history. That’s what the right won’t admit to you | Rowan Williams
Reposted by Sonia L
Prescient thread
Plausible worst case scenario with Venezuela in four steps:
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
January 3, 2026 at 10:38 AM
Prescient thread
Reposted by Sonia L
So is the whole world just beholden to Trump doing whatever he likes without consequence or is anyone gonna do something about it
January 3, 2026 at 9:52 AM
So is the whole world just beholden to Trump doing whatever he likes without consequence or is anyone gonna do something about it
Reposted by Sonia L
Almost every story I read about genAI makes me want to kick out the plugs. “But it’s here to stay!” “But I’ve found this positive use for it!” Bully for you. Just turn it off until we can regulate it properly so it doesn’t give dangerous health advice, tell people to kill themselves or generate CSAM
January 2, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Almost every story I read about genAI makes me want to kick out the plugs. “But it’s here to stay!” “But I’ve found this positive use for it!” Bully for you. Just turn it off until we can regulate it properly so it doesn’t give dangerous health advice, tell people to kill themselves or generate CSAM
Reposted by Sonia L
New research in International Migration Review: US visitor visa rejection rates are more than double for applicants from Africa compared to Europe. And this disparity isn't explained by economics, demographics, or even visa overstay rates. 🧵
January 2, 2026 at 6:32 PM
New research in International Migration Review: US visitor visa rejection rates are more than double for applicants from Africa compared to Europe. And this disparity isn't explained by economics, demographics, or even visa overstay rates. 🧵
Reposted by Sonia L
13. 2025 ended with tentative hopes for peace in both Ukraine and Gaza, but saw horrific suffering in both conflicts
I interviewed an NHS surgeon who witnessed the aftermath of shootings of desperate Gazans trying to get food from the US-backed GHF
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/w...
I interviewed an NHS surgeon who witnessed the aftermath of shootings of desperate Gazans trying to get food from the US-backed GHF
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/w...
A British Surgeon on What She Saw in Gaza’s Hospitals
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:22 PM
13. 2025 ended with tentative hopes for peace in both Ukraine and Gaza, but saw horrific suffering in both conflicts
I interviewed an NHS surgeon who witnessed the aftermath of shootings of desperate Gazans trying to get food from the US-backed GHF
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/w...
I interviewed an NHS surgeon who witnessed the aftermath of shootings of desperate Gazans trying to get food from the US-backed GHF
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/w...
Reposted by Sonia L
Thoughtful New Year's piece from Jason Dzubow at The Asylumist, who has spent years representing asylum seekers and observing how people endure prolonged uncertainty. Worth reading in full: www.asylumist.com/2026/01/01/t...
The Secret to Happiness (for Asylum Seekers and Everybody Else)
Who am I to know The Secret to Happiness, you ask. Mankind has struggled with this question for eons, yet here I am, purporting to know The Answer. What kind of pretentious jerk would make such a c…
www.asylumist.com
January 2, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Thoughtful New Year's piece from Jason Dzubow at The Asylumist, who has spent years representing asylum seekers and observing how people endure prolonged uncertainty. Worth reading in full: www.asylumist.com/2026/01/01/t...
Reposted by Sonia L
A reminder to always read beyond the executive summary of Home Office CPINs, co-authored by me!
Latest post from us: Concerns raised about changes to Home Office’s country evidence on Pakistan for LGBT+ people | Katherine Soroya
Concerns raised about changes to Home Office's country evidence on Pakistan for LGBT+ people - Free Movement
The Home Office has published an updated country policy and information note known as a ‘CPIN’ on Pakistan and sexual orientation and gender identity claims.
freemovement.org.uk
January 2, 2026 at 10:59 AM
A reminder to always read beyond the executive summary of Home Office CPINs, co-authored by me!
I don't usually go for these but couldn't resist this one.
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you.
Hello!
(not my pic. I probably do have one somewhere though, not of the actual *moment*, but certainly of the black eye I ended up with)
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you.
Hello!
(not my pic. I probably do have one somewhere though, not of the actual *moment*, but certainly of the black eye I ended up with)
January 2, 2026 at 12:50 PM
I don't usually go for these but couldn't resist this one.
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you.
Hello!
(not my pic. I probably do have one somewhere though, not of the actual *moment*, but certainly of the black eye I ended up with)
Introduce yourself with what almost killed you.
Hello!
(not my pic. I probably do have one somewhere though, not of the actual *moment*, but certainly of the black eye I ended up with)