Mollie Gerver
@mgerver.bsky.social
Assistant Professor in International Ethics at King’s College London, focusing on immigration, consent, and experimental philosophy. www.mgerver.com
Pinned
Opposition to ICE violence is consistent with studies conducted over the years: people opposing immigration still oppose very violent enforcement. They oppose violent enforcement even when it’s necessary to force migrants to leave. See our studies here: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1...
The Home Office initially decides whether an asylum seeker is a child by just having two members of staff “look at the child and decide whether, based on their appearance and demeanour, they think that they could be a child.”
In case you missed it: Age assessments: what happens when a child arrives in the UK? | Francesca Sella
Age assessments: what happens when a child arrives in the UK? - Free Movement
The Home Office does not publish statistics regarding children who are wrongly assessed as adults on arrival nor regarding the number of initial age
freemovement.org.uk
October 27, 2025 at 7:12 PM
The Home Office initially decides whether an asylum seeker is a child by just having two members of staff “look at the child and decide whether, based on their appearance and demeanour, they think that they could be a child.”
Reposted by Mollie Gerver
So you should really watch this. Just 2 minutes. But a window into the truly radical nature of the people Trump is nominating.
When pressed today, the nominee to be Ambassador to South Africa refuses to oppose reinstituting laws to prevent black people from voting in America.
When pressed today, the nominee to be Ambassador to South Africa refuses to oppose reinstituting laws to prevent black people from voting in America.
October 24, 2025 at 6:05 PM
So you should really watch this. Just 2 minutes. But a window into the truly radical nature of the people Trump is nominating.
When pressed today, the nominee to be Ambassador to South Africa refuses to oppose reinstituting laws to prevent black people from voting in America.
When pressed today, the nominee to be Ambassador to South Africa refuses to oppose reinstituting laws to prevent black people from voting in America.
“Using administrative student data from New York City, we…find the standard deviation of teacher effects on height is nearly as large as that for math and reading achievement, raising obvious questions about validity.”
www.nber.org/papers/w26480
www.nber.org/papers/w26480
Teacher Effects on Student Achievement and Height: A Cautionary Tale
Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, an...
www.nber.org
October 24, 2025 at 7:02 PM
“Using administrative student data from New York City, we…find the standard deviation of teacher effects on height is nearly as large as that for math and reading achievement, raising obvious questions about validity.”
www.nber.org/papers/w26480
www.nber.org/papers/w26480
But it’s ok because everyone clapped for these nurses four years ago.
Tory policy is to revoke permanent residence (ILR) for everybody who does not earn £38k - deporting most nurses who have ILR
This is put in the video as "who is unlikely to contribute more than they cost"
NB: video does not say EU settled status is exempt
No govt since Idi Amin has done this
This is put in the video as "who is unlikely to contribute more than they cost"
NB: video does not say EU settled status is exempt
No govt since Idi Amin has done this
October 22, 2025 at 7:10 PM
But it’s ok because everyone clapped for these nurses four years ago.
When I meet someone with ILR who can afford to apply for citizenship but doesn’t, I tell them “apply if you can!” But many people can’t: it’s too the expensive. Those people would be eligible for deportation under the Tories even if they had lived in the country for over a decade.
Mass deporting millions of people legally living here in order to make the UK "culturally coherent" is "broadly in line" with Conservative party policy, says Kemi Badenoch's spokesman
October 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
When I meet someone with ILR who can afford to apply for citizenship but doesn’t, I tell them “apply if you can!” But many people can’t: it’s too the expensive. Those people would be eligible for deportation under the Tories even if they had lived in the country for over a decade.
A rule of thumb: if people are willing to assume significant risks to cross the channel, they probably are fleeing significant risks in France, and a non-insignificant number will try to recross the channel again if sent back to France. Any one-in-one-out policy must depend on France being safe.
If only there had been some way of predicting this entirely predictable, and inevitable, outcome. You don't reduce channel crossings by sending people back to France, or anywhere else, you just create a never ending cycle of people for gangs to prey upon.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
October 22, 2025 at 5:42 PM
A rule of thumb: if people are willing to assume significant risks to cross the channel, they probably are fleeing significant risks in France, and a non-insignificant number will try to recross the channel again if sent back to France. Any one-in-one-out policy must depend on France being safe.
Reposted by Mollie Gerver
🚨 Job Alert 🚨 Our group (@bethewhitaker.bsky.social, @akoustov.bsky.social, Michael Ewers) is hiring a postdoc for a project on long-term environmental changes, shorter-term shocks (conflicts, disasters, economic disruptions), and migration. Details right here: jobs.charlotte.edu/postings/64603
October 17, 2025 at 8:05 PM
🚨 Job Alert 🚨 Our group (@bethewhitaker.bsky.social, @akoustov.bsky.social, Michael Ewers) is hiring a postdoc for a project on long-term environmental changes, shorter-term shocks (conflicts, disasters, economic disruptions), and migration. Details right here: jobs.charlotte.edu/postings/64603
Opposition to ICE violence is consistent with studies conducted over the years: people opposing immigration still oppose very violent enforcement. They oppose violent enforcement even when it’s necessary to force migrants to leave. See our studies here: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1...
October 16, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Opposition to ICE violence is consistent with studies conducted over the years: people opposing immigration still oppose very violent enforcement. They oppose violent enforcement even when it’s necessary to force migrants to leave. See our studies here: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1...
In this article, we asked a representative sample of Syrian refugees in Lebanon whether they wished to repatriate, remain, or resettle. Most did not went to resettle. We then asked them to imagine that resettlement was actually possible, and the number preferring resettlement dramatically increased.
IN NEW ISSUE: Refugee Resettlement - @mgerver.bsky.social, Faten Ghosn & @mirandasimon.bsky.social draw upon a sample of Syrian refugees in Lebanon & find their resettlement preferences are 'adaptive'. Read OPEN ACCESS: buff.ly/3ZnH2Hn
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @uoypolitics.bsky.social #polsky
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @uoypolitics.bsky.social #polsky
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
buff.ly
October 13, 2025 at 8:04 AM
In this article, we asked a representative sample of Syrian refugees in Lebanon whether they wished to repatriate, remain, or resettle. Most did not went to resettle. We then asked them to imagine that resettlement was actually possible, and the number preferring resettlement dramatically increased.
Reposted by Mollie Gerver
My book, 'Anywhere But Here', is finished! It will take you inside the Home Office and behind the scenes of the small boats crisis for the first time.
You can pre-order from
Waterstones: bit.ly/4gBxHTV
Foyles: tinyurl.com/3n7p3w3h
Amazon: amzn.to/3XuF7Q8
You can pre-order from
Waterstones: bit.ly/4gBxHTV
Foyles: tinyurl.com/3n7p3w3h
Amazon: amzn.to/3XuF7Q8
October 7, 2024 at 11:16 AM
My book, 'Anywhere But Here', is finished! It will take you inside the Home Office and behind the scenes of the small boats crisis for the first time.
You can pre-order from
Waterstones: bit.ly/4gBxHTV
Foyles: tinyurl.com/3n7p3w3h
Amazon: amzn.to/3XuF7Q8
You can pre-order from
Waterstones: bit.ly/4gBxHTV
Foyles: tinyurl.com/3n7p3w3h
Amazon: amzn.to/3XuF7Q8
The article states “The Conservatives say they would task officials with removing 750,000 illegal immigrants.” This is inaccurate: the plan would include migrants *legally* in the country, because it is legal for refugees to enter to claim asylum without first getting a visa.
In a desperate attempt to boost their poll standing, Tories propose to abandon the rule of law
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Conservatives pledge to remove 750,000 migrants under borders plan
The party unveils new policies on illegal migration as its annual conference begins in Manchester.
www.bbc.com
October 5, 2025 at 10:06 AM
The article states “The Conservatives say they would task officials with removing 750,000 illegal immigrants.” This is inaccurate: the plan would include migrants *legally* in the country, because it is legal for refugees to enter to claim asylum without first getting a visa.
Am I missing something, or does Reform’s plan sound more pro-immigrant than Labour? Though Reform says immigrants won’t get ILR and need to reapply for a new visa after 5 years, they’ll still be eligible for citizenship after 5 years AND won’t need to volunteer to get it - unlike with Labour.
To say that you will ‘have to volunteer’ to be eligible for settled status even if working full time as a doctor or nurse for example is not really volunteering because it would not be voluntary. The govt should call it something else if they want to enforce it.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Shabana Mahmood to demand migrants earn right to settled status
New tests will include learning English to a high standard, paying National Insurance and not claiming benefits.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 29, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Am I missing something, or does Reform’s plan sound more pro-immigrant than Labour? Though Reform says immigrants won’t get ILR and need to reapply for a new visa after 5 years, they’ll still be eligible for citizenship after 5 years AND won’t need to volunteer to get it - unlike with Labour.
Prisoners (including those not arrested under terrorism charges) now have their keffiyas confiscated because keffiyas are considered “branding associated with the Palestine Action Group.” www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Prisoners held over alleged Palestine Action offences face crackdown since group ban
People charged before protest group was proscribed describe restrictions on wearing keffiyehs and holding certain prison jobs
www.theguardian.com
September 27, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Prisoners (including those not arrested under terrorism charges) now have their keffiyas confiscated because keffiyas are considered “branding associated with the Palestine Action Group.” www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
@ianleslie.bsky.social claims anti-immigrant attitudes arose from the size and velocity of a “post-pandemic (and post-Brexit) surge in immigration.” But the surge began *during* the pandemic, more because of new health and care workers than anything else - workers wildly popular amongst voters.
The Ruffian has LANDED. This week: the progressive case for border control. ianleslie.substack.com/p/a-studio-5...
A Studio 54 Immigration Policy (or Why Liberals Should Learn To Love Bouncers)
The Progressive Case For Border Control
ianleslie.substack.com
September 27, 2025 at 11:21 AM
@ianleslie.bsky.social claims anti-immigrant attitudes arose from the size and velocity of a “post-pandemic (and post-Brexit) surge in immigration.” But the surge began *during* the pandemic, more because of new health and care workers than anything else - workers wildly popular amongst voters.
Do any philosophers have experience creating their own index, and/or hired a good indexer they can recommend?
September 26, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Do any philosophers have experience creating their own index, and/or hired a good indexer they can recommend?
David Yambio, President of Refugees in Libya and victim of EU-funded abuses:
"We, Refugees in Libya and I, personally, have been abducted with the boats you financed. We have been held in arbitrary detention in the prisons you have supported. We have been tortured by the militias you have trained.”
"We, Refugees in Libya and I, personally, have been abducted with the boats you financed. We have been held in arbitrary detention in the prisons you have supported. We have been tortured by the militias you have trained.”
EU Commission: Stop Funding Abuse in Libya — Joint Letter from 42 Humanitarian and Civil Society Groups
www.refugeesinlibya.org/post/eu-comm...
www.refugeesinlibya.org/post/eu-comm...
EU Commission: Stop Funding Abuse in Libya — Joint Letter from 42 Humanitarian and Civil Society Groups
IMMEDIATE RELEASE 23.09.2025 16:30 CETEU Commission must cut Libyan Coast Guard funding after rescue ship shooting, say 42 humanitarian and civil society groupsEuropean funds should not be provided to...
www.refugeesinlibya.org
September 23, 2025 at 6:49 PM
David Yambio, President of Refugees in Libya and victim of EU-funded abuses:
"We, Refugees in Libya and I, personally, have been abducted with the boats you financed. We have been held in arbitrary detention in the prisons you have supported. We have been tortured by the militias you have trained.”
"We, Refugees in Libya and I, personally, have been abducted with the boats you financed. We have been held in arbitrary detention in the prisons you have supported. We have been tortured by the militias you have trained.”
Reposted by Mollie Gerver
I think I neglected to share the link to the published version of my paper The Value of Ceremonies (open access) which was my Presidential Address for @triphilosophy.bsky.social
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
The Value of Ceremonies | Philosophy | Cambridge Core
The Value of Ceremonies - Volume 100 Issue 1
www.cambridge.org
September 23, 2025 at 5:10 AM
I think I neglected to share the link to the published version of my paper The Value of Ceremonies (open access) which was my Presidential Address for @triphilosophy.bsky.social
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
When I went to the academia/,
.edu site to delete my account, I noticed twelve AI podcasts about my articles posted on my profile without my knowledge or consent. Now they can create AI versions of users for whatever they want, sold to whoever they want, anywhere they want, for as long as they want.
.edu site to delete my account, I noticed twelve AI podcasts about my articles posted on my profile without my knowledge or consent. Now they can create AI versions of users for whatever they want, sold to whoever they want, anywhere they want, for as long as they want.
I'm sorry, worldwide, irrevocable, non-exclusive, transferable permission to my voice and likeness? For what now? In any manner for any purpose???
This is in academia/.edu's new ToS, which you're prompted to agree to on login. Anyway I'll be jumping ship. You can find my stuff at hcommons.org.
This is in academia/.edu's new ToS, which you're prompted to agree to on login. Anyway I'll be jumping ship. You can find my stuff at hcommons.org.
September 21, 2025 at 7:32 PM
When I went to the academia/,
.edu site to delete my account, I noticed twelve AI podcasts about my articles posted on my profile without my knowledge or consent. Now they can create AI versions of users for whatever they want, sold to whoever they want, anywhere they want, for as long as they want.
.edu site to delete my account, I noticed twelve AI podcasts about my articles posted on my profile without my knowledge or consent. Now they can create AI versions of users for whatever they want, sold to whoever they want, anywhere they want, for as long as they want.
An excellent defence by @akoustov.bsky.social of a policy where private citizens can use their own money to bring over and support refugees, who are given permanent residency on arrival or later. In the US this is supported by even most Republicans.
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/why-dont-y...
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/why-dont-y...
"Why Don't You House Them Yourself?" — Because I Legally Can't
The political promise and limits of private refugee sponsorship
alexanderkustov.substack.com
September 21, 2025 at 7:17 PM
An excellent defence by @akoustov.bsky.social of a policy where private citizens can use their own money to bring over and support refugees, who are given permanent residency on arrival or later. In the US this is supported by even most Republicans.
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/why-dont-y...
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/why-dont-y...
In Denmark, if you’re pregnant and the government thinks you will be a bad parent because you were abused as a child, they can give you a test asking “what’s glass made of?” and “what’s the big staircase in Rome called?”If you fail they take your baby after birth. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
‘The nurse told me I couldn’t keep my baby’: how a controversial Danish ‘parenting test’ separated a Greenlandic woman from her children
Two hours after Keira Alexandra Kronvold gave birth, her daughter was taken from her – the third child to be removed from her care following a now-banned assessment that disproportionately targets Inu...
www.theguardian.com
September 20, 2025 at 7:58 AM
In Denmark, if you’re pregnant and the government thinks you will be a bad parent because you were abused as a child, they can give you a test asking “what’s glass made of?” and “what’s the big staircase in Rome called?”If you fail they take your baby after birth. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
I’ll also be making “up to” 30 billion this year.
Thirty billion.
If you're going to do boosterism then give it both barrels, suppose.
If you're going to do boosterism then give it both barrels, suppose.
September 17, 2025 at 5:52 PM
I’ll also be making “up to” 30 billion this year.
I’m not sure this is true. When I was in 2nd grade I was introduced to the Holocaust at my Orthodox Jewish school, and the brilliant teacher began by talking about very poor Germans looking for scapegoats. Economic deprivation feeds on racism, and the wealthy who don’t want to help find scapegoats.
September 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM
I’m not sure this is true. When I was in 2nd grade I was introduced to the Holocaust at my Orthodox Jewish school, and the brilliant teacher began by talking about very poor Germans looking for scapegoats. Economic deprivation feeds on racism, and the wealthy who don’t want to help find scapegoats.
The man with five houses who says there aren’t enough houses because of asylum seekers in hotels is also the man with two ex-wives who says men marrying women have more stable relationships.
Nigel Farage:
"Children who have two stable parents have a better chance in life... The most stable relationships, the ones that last the longest, tend to be between men & women... There's an awful lot of kids in the country not getting the kind of start... they deserve."
Farage has two ex-wives.
"Children who have two stable parents have a better chance in life... The most stable relationships, the ones that last the longest, tend to be between men & women... There's an awful lot of kids in the country not getting the kind of start... they deserve."
Farage has two ex-wives.
September 15, 2025 at 5:27 PM
The man with five houses who says there aren’t enough houses because of asylum seekers in hotels is also the man with two ex-wives who says men marrying women have more stable relationships.
Lots of people say offensive things when they’re young, and maybe they can change. If they change they say things like “I acted wrongly. I’m sorry” and not “it is chilling that a conversation from nearly a decade ago can do this sort of damage.” www.itv.com/news/2025-09...
www.itv.com
September 15, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Lots of people say offensive things when they’re young, and maybe they can change. If they change they say things like “I acted wrongly. I’m sorry” and not “it is chilling that a conversation from nearly a decade ago can do this sort of damage.” www.itv.com/news/2025-09...
Excellent point: The Home Office seems to believe not initially granting asylum deters more people from arriving, but it just increases the number who appeal, increasing the appeals backlog, forcing more genuine refugees to live in hotels for longer rather than being able to work.
In case you missed it: Yvette Cooper and Home Office immigration ministers cleared out in reshuffle | Colin Yeo
Yvette Cooper and Home Office immigration ministers cleared out in reshuffle - Free Movement
Last weekend's reshuffle saw Yvette Cooper replaced as Home Secretary by Shabana Mahmood, who was previously the Lord Chancellor. In addition, Angela Eagle,
freemovement.org.uk
September 15, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Excellent point: The Home Office seems to believe not initially granting asylum deters more people from arriving, but it just increases the number who appeal, increasing the appeals backlog, forcing more genuine refugees to live in hotels for longer rather than being able to work.