By  Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Sidney Colvin and Colin Heston

“The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, Parts XI–XIV”, collected in Volume XXV of the Swanston Edition of Stevenson’s works, brings to a close one of the most remarkable collections of literary correspondence in the English language. Edited with meticulous care and deep personal insight by Sidney Colvin, this final volume continues the chronicle of Stevenson’s life through his own words, offering readers a profound and intimate view of the author’s final years and enduring legacy.

These concluding parts of Stevenson’s letters span the last phase of his life, primarily focused on his time in Samoa, where he had settled permanently in 1890. Despite his ongoing battle with chronic illness, Stevenson remained intellectually and creatively active, producing some of his most mature and reflective work. His letters from this period are rich in philosophical insight, literary commentary, and political observation, particularly concerning the colonial tensions in the South Pacific and his advocacy for the Samoan people.

The correspondence in this volume is addressed to a wide and varied circle: family members, literary peers, publishers, and political figures. These letters reveal a man who, though physically isolated, remained deeply engaged with the world. They are filled with Stevenson’s characteristic wit, warmth, and eloquence, but also with a growing sense of urgency and introspection as he approached the end of his life.

Sidney Colvin’s editorial contributions are especially valuable in this volume. As Stevenson’s close friend and literary executor, Colvin provides detailed introductions, annotations, and contextual commentary that illuminate the personal and historical background of each letter. His work ensures that readers not only follow the narrative of Stevenson’s life but also understand the broader cultural and political forces at play during this period.

The Swanston Edition presents these letters with scholarly precision and literary sensitivity, making Volume XXV an essential resource for anyone interested in Stevenson’s life, Victorian literature, or the art of letter writing. The collection as a whole—spanning Volumes XXIII to XXV—offers a comprehensive and deeply human portrait of Stevenson, capturing his evolution from a restless young writer to a mature and morally engaged literary figure.

“The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, Parts XI–XIV” is more than a conclusion to a correspondence—it is a culmination of a life lived with passion, intellect, and integrity. Through these final letters, Stevenson’s voice continues to resonate, offering insight, inspiration, and a lasting connection to one of literature’s most enduring spirits.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 296p.

By Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Sidney Colvin and Colin Heston

“The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, Parts VII–X”, collected in Volume XXIV of the Swanston Edition of Stevenson’s works, continues the extensive and illuminating correspondence begun in Volume XXIII. Edited with scholarly care and personal insight by Sidney Colvin—Stevenson’s close friend, literary executor, and biographer—this volume brings readers deeper into the final and most prolific years of Stevenson’s life, offering a vivid and intimate portrait of the author as both a public figure and a private man.

These later letters, written primarily during Stevenson’s residence in the South Pacific, particularly in Samoa, reflect a period of creative intensity, political engagement, and personal reflection. They reveal Stevenson not only as a master of prose but also as a keen observer of colonial politics, a devoted family man, and a figure of growing international literary stature. His correspondence from this time is rich with commentary on his ongoing literary projects—including The Ebb-Tide, St. Ives, and Weir of Hermiston—as well as his thoughts on morality, justice, and the responsibilities of the writer.

The letters are addressed to a wide range of recipients: family members, literary peers, publishers, and political figures. They are filled with Stevenson’s characteristic wit, warmth, and eloquence, but also with moments of vulnerability and philosophical depth. His reflections on illness, exile, and mortality are especially poignant, as he continued to write and correspond despite the increasing toll of his chronic health conditions.

Sidney Colvin’s editorial work is essential to the value of this collection. His introductions to each section, along with detailed footnotes and contextual commentary, provide readers with the necessary background to fully appreciate the historical and personal significance of the letters. Colvin’s close relationship with Stevenson lends the edition a unique authority and emotional resonance, as he was not only a literary scholar but also a trusted confidant of the author.

“The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, Parts VII–X” is more than a supplement to his published fiction—it is a living document of a writer’s mind and spirit, capturing the voice of Stevenson in all its complexity: humorous, passionate, reflective, and profoundly human.

The Swanston Edition presents these letters with scholarly rigor and literary sensitivity, making them an indispensable resource for students, researchers, and admirers of Stevenson’s work. Together with Volume XXIII, this volume completes one of the most comprehensive and engaging collections of literary correspondence from the Victorian era.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p.279p.

By Robert Louis Stevenson

In the South Seas” is a richly detailed and deeply reflective travel narrative by Robert Louis Stevenson, compiled from his journals and letters during his extensive travels across the Pacific Islands between 1888 and 1890. Published posthumously in 1896 and included in Volume XVIII of the Swanston Edition of his collected works, this volume offers a unique blend of ethnography, personal observation, and philosophical inquiry, capturing Stevenson’s fascination with the cultures, landscapes, and colonial dynamics of the South Pacific.

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different island group, including the Marquesas, Paumotus (Tuamotus), and the Gilberts, as well as Samoa, where Stevenson eventually settled. Through vivid prose and a keenly observant eye, Stevenson documents the customs, beliefs, and social structures of the islanders, often contrasting them with the encroaching influence of European colonialism and missionary activity. His tone is both empathetic and critical—he admires the resilience and richness of Polynesian cultures while lamenting the disruptions caused by foreign intervention.

What distinguishes In the South Seas is Stevenson’s humanistic approach. Unlike many travel writers of his time, he does not exoticize or patronize the people he encounters. Instead, he seeks to understand them on their own terms, often engaging in thoughtful reflections on cultural relativism, mortality, and the nature of civilization. His writing is infused with a sense of moral responsibility and personal transformation, shaped by his own experiences of illness, displacement, and a growing disillusionment with Western imperialism.

The Swanston Edition presents this work with scholarly annotations and editorial context, highlighting its significance within Stevenson’s oeuvre and its contribution to travel literature and cultural history. It also situates the text within the broader framework of 19th-century colonial discourse, offering modern readers a critical lens through which to appreciate Stevenson’s nuanced and often progressive perspectives.

“In the South Seas” is not only a travelogue but also a meditation on identity, belonging, and the complexities of cross-cultural encounter. It remains a vital and thought-provoking work for readers interested in Pacific history, postcolonial studies, and the literary legacy of one of Scotland’s most celebrated authors.

By R. L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

“A Footnote to History” is a powerful and politically charged historical narrative by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1892 and included in the Swanston Edition, Volume XVII. This work stands apart from Stevenson’s more widely known fiction by offering a firsthand account of the complex and often tragic political turmoil in Samoa during the late 19th century—a conflict in which Stevenson himself became deeply involved.

Written during Stevenson’s residence in the South Pacific, the book chronicles the events between 1882 and 1890, a period marked by intense rivalry among Germany, Britain, and the United States for control over the Samoan Islands. These imperial powers, each supporting different local factions, contributed to a prolonged and destabilizing civil conflict. Stevenson, living in Vailima on the island of Upolu, witnessed the unfolding crisis and used his literary voice to document and critique the actions of foreign governments and their representatives.

The narrative is both historical and personal. Stevenson combines detailed political analysis with vivid descriptions of the people, landscapes, and cultural dynamics of Samoa. He portrays the Samoan chiefs and communities with empathy and respect, while sharply criticizing the incompetence, arrogance, and moral failures of the colonial powers. His tone is often impassioned, reflecting his frustration with the injustices he observed and his desire to influence public opinion in Europe and America.

“A Footnote to History” is notable for its journalistic clarity, moral urgency, and literary elegance. It is not merely a chronicle of events but a reflection on the broader consequences of imperialism and the human cost of political ambition. Stevenson’s involvement in Samoan affairs—both as an observer and as an advocate—gives the work a rare authenticity and immediacy.

The Swanston Edition presents this important text with scholarly annotations and historical context, situating it within Stevenson’s broader body of work and the geopolitical realities of the time. As both a historical document and a literary achievement, A Footnote to History remains a compelling and insightful exploration of colonial entanglements and the responsibilities of witness.

By David G. Ritchie

David G. Ritchie’s Natural Rights: A Criticism of Some Political and Ethical Conceptions is a critical examination of the philosophical and political theories surrounding natural rights. Published in the late 19th century, Ritchie’s work challenges the assumptions held by classical liberals and natural law theorists, particularly those who argue for the inherent and immutable nature of rights. Instead, Ritchie approaches the concept of rights from a historical and evolutionary perspective, arguing that rights are not absolute but are instead shaped by social, political, and moral developments over time.

Ritchie’s work remains highly relevant and modern in its rejection of fixed, universal rights and in its emphasis on social evolution, institutions, and collective well-being. However, contemporary discourse has gone further by incorporating intersectionality, global human rights frameworks, and moral imperatives that sometimes challenge his purely historical and pragmatic approach. His work is valuable for its emphasis on the social and historical evolution of rights, but some critics argue that his relativism could justify oppression, that he underestimates moral absolutes, and that he places too much emphasis on legal institutions rather than individual freedoms. Nevertheless, this is a pioneering work that aligns with modern human rights discourse in its recognition of change over time,

By Rabindranath Tagor

Rabindranath Tagore’s Nationalism is a profound and prophetic critique of the nationalist fervor that swept across the world in the early 20th century. First published in 1917, the book is a collection of essays based on Tagore’s lectures in Japan and the United States, where he examined the rise of nationalism and its impact on societies, particularly in the West and in colonial India. As a poet, philosopher, and humanist, Tagore viewed nationalism not merely as a political movement but as a force with the potential to both unite and divide humanity.
Tagore’s Sādhanā is not just a philosophical text—it is a guide for living with awareness, compassion, and harmony. In today’s fast-paced, often disconnected world, his message of spiritual realization, unity, and love remains as vital as ever. Whether through mindfulness, environmental consciousness, or a deeper appreciation of human relationships, *Sādhanā* offers timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern life. Tagore’s vision challenges us to look beyond material success and societal divisions, urging us to embrace a life of inner fulfillment, interconnectedness, and profound respect for all forms of life. By revisiting *Sādhanā* in the context of contemporary challenges, we find a powerful and enduring message that calls us to rediscover the deeper truths of existence and live with greater purpose and harmony.

Read-Me.Org Inc. NY. Phila. Australia. 2025.

By Ellery Sedgwick

This book is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and impact of one of the most influential political thinkers of the 18th century. Published in 1899, the book explores Paine's radical philosophy and his significant contributions to revolutionary thought in both America and Europe. Sedgwick provides a detailed analysis of Paine's major works, including “Common Sense” and “The Rights of Man,” and examines the controversies and challenges Paine faced throughout his life.

Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 53p.

By Richard Carlile

Richard Carlile's "The Life of Thomas Paine," published in 1821, is a detailed biography that aims to provide a comprehensive and unvarnished account of Thomas Paine's life and contributions. The book is structured to accompany Paine's writings, offering readers insights into his mind, principles, and works.

Carlile begins by discussing Paine's early life in Thetford, England, his education, and his initial career as a staymaker. Paine's journey from a staymaker to a prominent political thinker is highlighted, including his brief stint at sea and his eventual turn to excise work. His early literary efforts, such as "The Case of the Officers of Excise," are noted for their clarity and impact.

The biography delves into Paine's move to America, where he became a key figure in the American Revolution. His pamphlet "Common Sense" is credited with galvanizing American sentiment towards independence. Carlile also covers Paine's involvement in the French Revolution, his opposition to the execution of Louis XVI, and his subsequent imprisonment during the Reign of Terror.

Carlile provides a balanced view of Paine, acknowledging both his contributions and controversies. He discusses Paine's later works, including "The Rights of Man" and "The Age of Reason," and his efforts to promote political and social reforms. The biography also touches on Paine's personal life, his relationships, and his final years in America.

Overall, Carlile's work is a tribute to Paine's enduring legacy as a champion of liberty and human rights. The biography is noted for its thorough research and objective tone, making it a valuable resource for understanding the life and impact of Thomas Paine.

Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 28p.

Edited by J. W. Cross

"George Eliot's Life" by J.W. Cross is a three-volume biography that provides a detailed account of the life of the renowned author George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans). Compiled by her husband, John Walter Cross, the biography is based on her letters and journals, offering a unique perspective on her personal and professional life.

Volume 1 covers Eliot's early life from 1819 to 1857. It begins with her childhood, her move to Coventry, and her early literary career. It also details her travels to Geneva and her initial forays into writing[1].

Volume 2: The second volume spans the years 1857 to 1870, focusing on Eliot's rise to literary fame. It includes her relationships with key figures in the literary world, her partnership with George Henry Lewes, and the publication of her major works such as "Adam Bede" and "Middlemarch".

Volume 3: This final volume covers Eliot's later years, from 1870 until her death in 1880. It discusses her continued literary success, her marriage to John Cross, and her reflections on her life and work. It also includes insights into her personal struggles and triumphs.

These volumes provide a comprehensive look at George Eliot's life, though some critics have noted that Cross's portrayal may lack some of the "salt and spice" of Eliot's unconventional life.

Originally published by HARPER & BROTHERS, FRANKLIN SQUARE. 1885. 631p.

By Moncure Daniel Conway

Dive into the captivating world of one of history's most influential figures with Moncure Conway's comprehensive biography, "The Life of Thomas Paine." Spanning two volumes, this meticulously researched work offers an in-depth look at the life, ideas, and legacy of Thomas Paine, the Anglo-American revolutionary whose writings inspired and shaped the course of history.

Volume 1 explores Paine's early life, his journey to America, and his pivotal role in the American Revolution. From the publication of "Common Sense" to his contributions as a soldier and secretary, readers will gain a profound understanding of Paine's impact on the fight for independence.

Volume 2 delves into Paine's later years, including his involvement in the French Revolution and his enduring influence on political thought. This volume also addresses the controversies and challenges Paine faced, providing a balanced and nuanced portrait of this complex figure.

Moncure Conway's narrative is not only informative but also engaging, making "The Life of Thomas Paine" a must-read for history enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the revolutionary ideas that continue to resonate today. Embark on a journey through the life of a true revolutionary and discover the enduring power of Thomas Paine's words and deeds. This version contains an explanatory introduction by Colin Heston and details of the earlier publications of the works.

First published in 1893. Current version Read-Me.Org 2025. 464p.

By Ellery Sedgwick and Richard Carlile

Thomas Paine, one of the most influential political thinkers of the 18th century, played a crucial role in shaping revolutionary thought in both America and Europe. His writings, including *Common Sense* and *The Rights of Man*, championed democracy, individual rights, and the overthrow of oppressive governments. Given his enduring impact, numerous biographers have sought to interpret his life and legacy, each bringing a unique perspective to his story.

Though writing in different eras and contexts, Ellery Sedgwick and Richard Carlile explored Paine’s radical philosophy and the controversies surrounding his life. Sedgwick, a historian and editor, approached Paine’s biography with a more traditional scholarly lens, analyzing his ideas within the broader intellectual movements of the time. Carlile, a 19th-century political radical and free-speech advocate, viewed Paine as a heroic figure in the struggle for reform, often emphasizing his persecution and the suppression of his works. Together, these biographies offer contrasting yet complementary portraits of Paine, reflecting both the man and the ever-evolving debate over his contributions to political and social thought.

"Thomas Paine" 1899. "Life of Thomas Paine" 1821. This combined edition 2025. 108p.

By H. V. Morton (Author), Graeme R. Newman (Introduction)

H. V. Morton’s “In Search of England” is a captivating travelogue that chronicles his journey through the English countryside, exploring its history, legends, and landscapes. Morton visits various towns and villages, delving into their unique stories and cultural heritage. He vividly describes encounters with locals, historical sites, and the natural beauty of places like Glastonbury, Dartmoor, and Tintagel. The book is rich with anecdotes, historical insights, and Morton’s reflections on the enduring charm and mystery of England, making it a delightful read for those interested in the nation’s past and its picturesque scenery. Themes of the book may be categorized as follows:

• Local characters and culture

• Living English history

• Poignant and memorable experiences

• Not without humor

• Art of the Travelogue

The original publisher was Methuen & Co. Ltd. on June 2, 1927. The current version by Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 340p.

By Anita Orav

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In recent years, the European Union has faced a significant number of asylum applications, with over 513 000 applications received in the first half of 2024 alone. Women and girls make up a substantial proportion of asylum seekers, with one in three asylum-seekers being female. In international law, the 1951 Geneva Refugee Convention is the main instrument regulating asylum. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Istanbul Convention provide a framework for protecting the rights of women who seek protection. The EU has developed a common European asylum system that has gradually incorporated gender-sensitive elements in legal texts such as the Qualification Directive, the Asylum Procedures Directive and the Reception Conditions Directive. These directives offer special protection to vulnerable individuals, including women and children. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has played a crucial role in advancing a gender-sensitive approach in EU asylum law, acknowledging the specific experiences and circumstances of women and other vulnerable individuals seeking protection in the EU. The CJEU has recognised gender-based violence as a form of persecution and grounds for asylum or subsidiary protection. It has also acknowledged the importance of considering the individual circumstances and experiences of asylum seekers, particularly women and girls, who may face persecution or harm owing to their adherence to certain values or lifestyles. This aligns with a more gender-sensitive approach in EU asylum law and policy in recent years. Nevertheless continued progress is needed to address the human rights challenges faced by women and girls in asylum procedures.

Bruxelles/Brussels - Belgium : EPRS | European Parliamentary Research Service, 2025. 8p.

By Paul Clewett, Julia Litzkow, Jennifer Vallentine

This paper examines smuggling dynamics and the related protection risks faced by refugees and migrants in the Western Balkans in 2024. It provides an overview of EU migration policy developments in the Western Balkans, focusing on the implementation of anti-smuggling measures. It examines shifts in smuggling routes and operations, and the experiences of people on the move under stricter migration management. The report also considers the potential impact which the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum may have on smuggling dynamics and the protection risks facing refugees and migrants in the region.

The research is based on 17 interviews with refugees and migrants, 24 key informant interviews, and a review of secondary sources. It provides an overview of changes as of mid-2024, following the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) June 2023 study Western Balkans: Mixed Migration Trends and Dynamics.

It aims to directly contribute to identifying solutions in the Western Balkans, in particular regarding the Danish Refugee Council’s (DRC) work in protecting refugees and migrants in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

London/Denmark: Mixed Migration Centre, 2024. 23p.

Edited by Gemma Blok and Jan Oosterholt  

This volume analyses cultural perceptions of safety and security that have shaped modern European societies. The articles present a wide range of topics, from feelings of unsafety generated by early modern fake news to safety issues related to twentieth-century drug use in public space. The volume demonstrates how ‘safety’ is not just a social or biological condition to pursue but also a historical and cultural construct. In philosophical terms, safety can be interpreted in different ways, referring to security, certainty or trust. What does feeling safe and thinking about a safe society mean to various groups of people over time? The articles in this volume are bound by their joint effort to take a constructionist approach to emotional expressions, artistic representations, literary narratives and political discourses of (un)safety and their impact on modern European society.

Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2024. 279p.

By Timothy Gitzen

The decades-long fear of South Korean national destruction has routinized national security and the sense of threat. In present day South Korea, national security includes not only war and the military, but national unity, public health, and the family. As a result, queer Koreans have become a target as their bodies are thought to harbor deadly viruses and are thus seen as carriers of diseases. The prevailing narrative already sees being queer as a threat to traditional family and marriage. By claiming that queer Koreans disrupt military readiness and unit cohesion, that threat is extended to the entire population. Queer Koreans are enveloped by the banality of security, treated as threats, while also being overlooked as part of the nation. What does it mean to be perceived as a national threat simply based on who you would like to sleep with? In their desire to be seen as citizens who support the safety and security of the nation, queer Koreans placate a patriarchal and national authority that is responsible for their continued marginalization. At the same time, they are also creating spaces to protect themselves from the security measures and technologies directed against them. Taking readers from police stations and the galleries of the Constitutional Court to queer activist offices and pride festivals, Banal Security explores how queer Koreans participate in their own securitization, demonstrates how security weaves through daily life in ways that oppress queer Koreans, and highlights the work of queer activists to address that oppression. In doing so, queer Koreans challenge not only the contours of national security in South Korea, but global entanglements of security.

Helsinki: Helsinki University Press, 2023, 265 p.

By Cecilia Menjívar

Stumpf and Manning’s Article, Liminal Immigration Law, explains the origin, mechanisms, and persistence of liminal laws in three cases they analyze: DACA, immigration detainers, and administrative closure. Their analysis unearths key similarities across these cases: the “stickiness” and robustness of liminal rules, their transitory nature, and their flexibility in contrast to the inflexibility of traditional law. This Essay expands Stumpf and Manning’s analysis by considering social science scholarship on the legal production of legal statuses. It examines the liminal case of Temporary Protected Status to capture the effects of liminality on the ground for individuals and families, the power of liminal rules as an instrument of immigration control and governance, and the key role of racialization practices in the creation, interpretation, and implementation of liminal rules. The conceptual extension in this Essay exemplifies how the analytic lens that Stumpf and Manning propose will prove generative for legal, socio-legal, and social science scholarship more generally.  

  IOWA LAW REVIEW ONLINE,  Vol. 110:51 2024, 16 p.

By William A. Kandel

Four major principles underlie current U.S. legal permanent immigration policy: allowing families to reunify, admitting needed skilled workers, providing humanitarian protection, and fostering geographic diversity among lawful permanent residents (LPRs; also referred to as immigrants). These principles are embodied in provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for family-sponsored immigration, employment-based immigration, the U.S. refugee and asylee programs, and the diversity immigrant visa, respectively. Additional INA provisions provide LPR status but account for relatively few immigrants. Among these are special immigrant visas for certain Iraqis and Afghans employed by U.S. Government and their spouses and children; cancellation of removal for foreign nationals in removal proceedings; U nonimmigrant visas for crime victims who assist law enforcement agencies; and T status for human trafficking victims. As defined in the INA, the term “immigrants” is synonymous with LPRs, also known more informally as green card holders, and refers to foreign nationals who come to live lawfully and permanently in the United States. Foreign nationals can either apply to adjust from a temporary, typically nonimmigrant status to LPR status from within the United States, or apply for an immigrant visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate and request admission as an LPR upon arrival to the United States from abroad. The INA imposes an annual worldwide permanent immigration level of 675,000 persons: 480,000 family-sponsored immigrants, made up of family-sponsored “immediate relatives” and “preference immigrants”; 140,000 employment-based immigrants; and 55,000 diversity immigrants. However, the INA worldwide limit is a permeable cap that is regularly breached because immediate relatives and asylees are not numerically limited. In addition, the number of refugees admitted each year is determined by the President in consultation with Congress. As a result, the number of individuals approved for LPR status each year typically exceeds the INA numerical limits that are intended to process this demand fairly and in accordance with the national interest. In FY2023, the United States granted LPR status to 1,172,910 foreign nationals. The INA further imposes, for family-sponsored preference and employment-based immigrants, a per-country limit of 7% of their annual worldwide levels. The 7% limit is intended to prevent nationals of one or a few countries from dominating immigrant flows. For countries that send many prospective immigrants to the United States, the 7% limit often results in years-long waits for LPR status. From FY2014 to FY2023, the United States granted LPR status to an average of about 1 million foreign nationals each year. Of these, 65% acquired LPR status as family-based immigrants, 16% as employment-based immigrants, 11% as refugees and asylees adjusting to LPR status, 4% as diversity immigrants, and 4% as other immigrants. On average, 54% of all immigrants adjusted to LPR status from within the United States during this time. Top immigrant source countries over the period included Mexico (14%), China (7%), India (6%), the Philippines (5%), and the Dominican Republic (5%). In FY2024, an estimated 4 million prospective family-sponsored preference immigrants possessed approved immigrant petitions and were waiting overseas to apply for a statutorily numerically limited immigrant visa. In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved a sizeable number of petitions for family-sponsored preference and employment-based immigrants based in the United States and overseas who represent an indeterminate number of prospective immigrants in a corresponding and sometimes overlapping queue. USCIS also has about 230,000 pending petitions for U nonimmigrant status pertaining to crime victims which, if approved, would make these petitioners eligible for LPR status. Proponents of reducing permanent immigration often contend that family-sponsored immigration allows relatively large numbers of foreign nationals to settle permanently in the United States without regard to their skills, education levels, potential contributions to the U.S. economy or potential fiscal impacts on U.S. taxpayers. Others argue that family-sponsored immigration should be limited to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and LPRs. Still others support limiting employmentbased LPRs to only very highly skilled workers, admitting employment-based immigrants using merit-based point systems instead of or in addition to employer sponsorship, and eliminating the diversity immigrant program. Proponents of increasing permanent immigration typically emphasize the positive impacts of skilled and other migration generally to the U.S. economy, the need for more workers in labor-short occupations and industries, or concerns over demographic trends that portend future U.S. population decline.  

Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service 2024.   27p.

By Ben Laws

This open access Palgrave Pivot explores the experiences of nonreligious asylum seekers in Northern Europe. While religious persecution is often cited as a reason for seeking asylum, nonbelievers also face significant persecution in their home countries due to their lack of religious affiliation. Despite this, their experiences are frequently overlooked in academic discussions, and asylum assessment centers have been slow to develop frameworks that address their unique challenges. Drawing on in-depth qualitative research from Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands, this book provides a comprehensive examination of the challenges nonbelievers face, as well as the opportunities they create as agents within the system. Emotions offer an analytical window into the world of nonbelievers, highlighting their desperation and innovative practices of evidence creation. Throughout the book, the logics of credibility assessment are critically explored, revealing the cultural chasm between assessors and nonreligious claimants.

Cham: Springer Nature, 2024.

By Omar Mohammed

This study explores the deep-rooted and evolving nature of antisemitism in the Arabic-speaking world. It traces its historical roots from pre-1948 socio-cultural and religious dynamics, through the impact of Nazi Germany and Soviet-era propaganda, to contemporary times where radical Islamist groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and ISIS perpetuate antisemitic ideologies. The digital age has amplified the spread of hate speech via social media. Addressing antisemitism is challenging due to widespread denial and lack of Holocaust education in the Arab world. The

study recommends educational reforms, interfaith dialogues, and international collaboration to combat antisemitism and promote tolerance .

Washington, DC: Program on Extremism at George Washington University , 2025. 55p.