Ashwini Vasanthakumar
@ashwinivasantha.bsky.social
Legal and political theory | migration, authority, obligation, oppression and the ethics of resistance | writing a book on why immigrants should not 'integrate'
www.ashwinivasanthakumar.com
www.ashwinivasanthakumar.com
Pinned
A quick introduction to new followers: I am a political and legal philosopher working on diasporas and transnationalism, the ethics of immigration control, victims' duties, and transitional justice.
My first monograph looked at exile politics,
My first monograph looked at exile politics,
If your nap extends into “a little sleep” territory then you have no choice but to keep sleeping.
I woke up from a nap needing another nap, that's how my Sunday is going
November 16, 2025 at 11:03 PM
If your nap extends into “a little sleep” territory then you have no choice but to keep sleeping.
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
Our @iclaimeu.bsky.social report on the living and working conditions of food delivery migrant workers is featured in this excellent piece by Diane Taylor
for @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
for @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Life as a food delivery worker: ‘Sometimes men open the door naked’
To earn a living as a delivery rider, some work 10-12 hour days, contending with low pay, exhaustion, accidents, injuries and harassment. Is this a new form of modern slavery?
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Our @iclaimeu.bsky.social report on the living and working conditions of food delivery migrant workers is featured in this excellent piece by Diane Taylor
for @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
for @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
given the way we talk about such things in Britain this isn’t that surprising
holy shit: “Among the 2,000 UK adults surveyed, 85% were unaware that Britain forcibly transported more than 3 million Africans to the Caribbean, 89% did not know that Britain enslaved people in the Caribbean for more than 300 years” www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Caribbean reparations leaders in ‘historic’ first UK visit to press for justice
CRC mission will seek to deepen public understanding of Britain’s colonial legacy and its lasting impact
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:05 PM
given the way we talk about such things in Britain this isn’t that surprising
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
"ProPublica’s reporting debunks the idea of a ’Tren de Aragua complex' taken over by a horde of terrorists. We found no criminal convictions for 18 of the 21 Venezuelans we identified. Three of the men had been charged with offenses ... but in each case the charges were dropped."
“I Lost Everything”: Venezuelans Were Rounded Up in a Dramatic Midnight Raid but Never Charged With a Crime
Authorities said Tren de Aragua “terrorists” had taken over the building. A ProPublica investigation found little evidence to back up the government’s claims. For the first time, the Venezuelans arres...
www.propublica.org
November 16, 2025 at 6:29 PM
"ProPublica’s reporting debunks the idea of a ’Tren de Aragua complex' taken over by a horde of terrorists. We found no criminal convictions for 18 of the 21 Venezuelans we identified. Three of the men had been charged with offenses ... but in each case the charges were dropped."
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
5 headlines tonight on Charlotte Observer’s homepage:
“Manolo's Bakery closes to protect customers”
“Church members flee as federal agents arrive”
“Super G executive describes agents dragging out teen employee”
“Border Patrol questions people at Walmart”
“Border Patrol sweep sparks fear”
“Manolo's Bakery closes to protect customers”
“Church members flee as federal agents arrive”
“Super G executive describes agents dragging out teen employee”
“Border Patrol questions people at Walmart”
“Border Patrol sweep sparks fear”
November 16, 2025 at 4:25 AM
5 headlines tonight on Charlotte Observer’s homepage:
“Manolo's Bakery closes to protect customers”
“Church members flee as federal agents arrive”
“Super G executive describes agents dragging out teen employee”
“Border Patrol questions people at Walmart”
“Border Patrol sweep sparks fear”
“Manolo's Bakery closes to protect customers”
“Church members flee as federal agents arrive”
“Super G executive describes agents dragging out teen employee”
“Border Patrol questions people at Walmart”
“Border Patrol sweep sparks fear”
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
If CBSA refuses to explain why it thought a *95 YEAR OLD* retired Princeton law professor and UN special rapporteur might be a threat to national security, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree should
Prominent legal scholar detained at Canadian border while on his way to a conference on Palestine | CBC News
A well-known academic and former UN special rapporteur says he was detained by customs agents in Toronto while on his way to speak at a conference on human rights violations against Palestinians.
www.cbc.ca
November 16, 2025 at 3:21 AM
If CBSA refuses to explain why it thought a *95 YEAR OLD* retired Princeton law professor and UN special rapporteur might be a threat to national security, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree should
This will be depressingly familiar to many women in academia. But helpful to read how delusional these men can be.
“Suspect she will miss it. Problem is I will too.”
Ew.
“Suspect she will miss it. Problem is I will too.”
Ew.
The emails have Summers reporting to Epstein about his attempts to date a Harvard economics student & to hit on her during a seminar she was giving.
November 16, 2025 at 3:27 AM
This will be depressingly familiar to many women in academia. But helpful to read how delusional these men can be.
“Suspect she will miss it. Problem is I will too.”
Ew.
“Suspect she will miss it. Problem is I will too.”
Ew.
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
Please watch my friend @brian-goldstone.bsky.social tomorrow morning on CBS Sunday Morning @ 9am.
This is a very important topic.
This is a very important topic.
Some news: tomorrow at 9am, Ted Koppel + CBS Sunday Morning will air a two-part story on the devastating surge of full-time workers being pushed into homelessness.
I'll be interviewed along with two families from There Is No Place for Us. It would mean a lot if you'd watch and help spread the word.
I'll be interviewed along with two families from There Is No Place for Us. It would mean a lot if you'd watch and help spread the word.
November 15, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Please watch my friend @brian-goldstone.bsky.social tomorrow morning on CBS Sunday Morning @ 9am.
This is a very important topic.
This is a very important topic.
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
This is the politics of blackmail. The alternative is not a Reform government. The alternative is maintaining our international commitments to being a compassionate nation
November 15, 2025 at 6:50 AM
This is the politics of blackmail. The alternative is not a Reform government. The alternative is maintaining our international commitments to being a compassionate nation
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
A levy on foreign students is one of the closest things you're going to see to tariffs on services - except the UK will be putting it on its own exports...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Levy on international students’ tuition fees not in best interest of UK, says leader of top university
Duncan Ivison, president of Manchester University, says government’s 6% surcharge plan will ‘hurt the sector’
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:20 AM
A levy on foreign students is one of the closest things you're going to see to tariffs on services - except the UK will be putting it on its own exports...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
Labour's fear of Reform, 'the election is tomorrow' attitude means that they are completely incapable of going 'okay, but what are *actually* the consequences of refugee and asylum policy that people don't like?'
This is as bad as anything proposed by Reform.
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leaving refugees in permanent limbo and unable to build a new life in the UK would be a complete abdication of our humanitarian responsibilities
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Labour's fear of Reform, 'the election is tomorrow' attitude means that they are completely incapable of going 'okay, but what are *actually* the consequences of refugee and asylum policy that people don't like?'
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
“Many of the women say that they were pressured to have unwanted or unnecessary gynecological procedures while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement”
"They tried to shut me up by deporting me."
www.npr.org/2020/12/22/9...
www.npr.org/2020/12/22/9...
Dozens Of Women Allege Unwanted Surgeries And Medical Abuse In ICE Custody
More women are coming forward to say they were pressured to have reproductive surgeries they did not want or understand, offering a glimpse into alleged medical abuses at an ICE detention center.
www.npr.org
November 15, 2025 at 3:11 AM
“Many of the women say that they were pressured to have unwanted or unnecessary gynecological procedures while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement”
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
Is Ontario becoming a hub for white nationalism? @jeyantvo.bsky.social asked CBC's @ericszeto.bsky.social and Steven Rai (@isdglobal.org) about the groups that are hiding in plain sight.
Is Ontario Becoming a Hub for White Nationalism? | The Rundown
YouTube video by TVO Today
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Is Ontario becoming a hub for white nationalism? @jeyantvo.bsky.social asked CBC's @ericszeto.bsky.social and Steven Rai (@isdglobal.org) about the groups that are hiding in plain sight.
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
People are literally being kidnapped and imprisoned without due process because of their identity.
They are being abused, neglected, disenfranchised, illegal renditioned, and even killed because of their identity.
What a ridiculous man.
They are being abused, neglected, disenfranchised, illegal renditioned, and even killed because of their identity.
What a ridiculous man.
Pete Buttigieg critiques Democrats for focus on identity
The former U.S. transportation secretary said the Democratic Party should focus more on issues gripping the country, such as health care and housing affordability.
www.texastribune.org
November 14, 2025 at 8:36 PM
People are literally being kidnapped and imprisoned without due process because of their identity.
They are being abused, neglected, disenfranchised, illegal renditioned, and even killed because of their identity.
What a ridiculous man.
They are being abused, neglected, disenfranchised, illegal renditioned, and even killed because of their identity.
What a ridiculous man.
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
"'I’m not sure what we’ve learned from it all,' Walter Johnson, a professor of History and African and African American Studies, wrote in a statement. 'I think Larry Summers told us who he was a long time ago.'"
Professor Johnson knows wassup.
Professor Johnson knows wassup.
Harvard Faculty Disturbed by Revelations of Summers’ ‘Cozy Friendship’ With Epstein | News | The Harvard Crimson
Harvard professors responded with outrage to a tranche of emails showing a close yearslong correspondence between former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers and sex offender Jeffrey E. Epstein, reop...
www.thecrimson.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:33 PM
"'I’m not sure what we’ve learned from it all,' Walter Johnson, a professor of History and African and African American Studies, wrote in a statement. 'I think Larry Summers told us who he was a long time ago.'"
Professor Johnson knows wassup.
Professor Johnson knows wassup.
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
“ended up”? “setting off”? The Times explores new lows with this perversely upside down synopsis of a story of powerful men sexually abusing a child and getting away with their crimes.
A teenager in Florida with a homeless parent wanted money for braces and ended up having sex for money with powerful men, setting off a chain of events that would have a dramatic impact on her life and help upend the political career of Representative Matt Gaetz. nyti.ms/49PSkL9
November 14, 2025 at 4:45 AM
“ended up”? “setting off”? The Times explores new lows with this perversely upside down synopsis of a story of powerful men sexually abusing a child and getting away with their crimes.
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
“Housing shortage – Jews to blame," letter sticker, German Reich, 1938
zwangsraeume.berlin/en/context
zwangsraeume.berlin/en/context
November 14, 2025 at 2:16 AM
“Housing shortage – Jews to blame," letter sticker, German Reich, 1938
zwangsraeume.berlin/en/context
zwangsraeume.berlin/en/context
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
Whole bunch of stuff beginning to make a lot of sense.
November 14, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Whole bunch of stuff beginning to make a lot of sense.
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
Eminent Cdn international politics expert Janice Stein matter-of-factly puts all this together in 15 minutes' analysis (drug boats, Maduro, oil), giving a 1.5 week window for a US attack on Venezuela. Starts at 5:46 below.
November 14, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Eminent Cdn international politics expert Janice Stein matter-of-factly puts all this together in 15 minutes' analysis (drug boats, Maduro, oil), giving a 1.5 week window for a US attack on Venezuela. Starts at 5:46 below.
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
I love writing one single article over and over again every month
November 13, 2025 at 9:33 PM
I love writing one single article over and over again every month
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
Remember the immigration raid on the apartment complex in Chicago almost two months ago? The one with the Black Hawk helicopter and federal agents rappelling on ropes? @ProPublica decided to take a deeper look. We found little evidence to support the government’s claims. 🧵
November 13, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Remember the immigration raid on the apartment complex in Chicago almost two months ago? The one with the Black Hawk helicopter and federal agents rappelling on ropes? @ProPublica decided to take a deeper look. We found little evidence to support the government’s claims. 🧵
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
Predictable but still amazing to watch people who spent literally years accusing every librarian, teacher, and trans person they could find of sexually grooming children suddenly throw themselves in with "actually it's ephebophilia"
Megyn Kelly: "I know somebody very close to this case…Jeffrey Epstein, in this person's view, was not a pedophile…He was into the barely legal type, like he liked 15 year old girls…He wasn't into like 8 year olds…There's a difference between a 15 year old and a 5 year old."
November 13, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Predictable but still amazing to watch people who spent literally years accusing every librarian, teacher, and trans person they could find of sexually grooming children suddenly throw themselves in with "actually it's ephebophilia"
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
So academic. Much freedom. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/u...
Texas A&M Tightens Rules on Talking About Race and Gender in Classes
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:08 PM
So academic. Much freedom. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/u...
Reposted by Ashwini Vasanthakumar
20 strikes. 80 dead. Well past the 60 days war powers act rule. And no end in sight/any effort to constrain it.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/p...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/p...
US military carried out 20th strike on alleged drug boats, killing 4, official says | CNN Politics
The Pentagon conducted its 20th strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat earlier this week, a Pentagon official said Thursday.
www.cnn.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:14 PM
20 strikes. 80 dead. Well past the 60 days war powers act rule. And no end in sight/any effort to constrain it.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/p...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/p...