iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Today I celebrate Columbus Day—it never much about Columbus himself, but about BOTH the spirit of discovery and honoring immigrants. The "honoring immigrants" part is the historical reason Columbus Day is not celebrated in Southern states—the KKK objected.

012

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Book recommendation: "Powerless" by Harry Turtledove Inspired by Václav Havel's essay "The Power of the Powerless", it is an alternate history following a Los Angeles grocer labeled a dissident in the West Coast People's Democratic Republic. Very powerful and one of Turtledove's best.

021

Reposted by Mark Regets

National Foundation for American Policy @nfapresearch.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Trump is making history: The only president in U.S. history to oversee a decline in the civilian labor force before Donald Trump is Abraham Lincoln, and that was due to the Civil War. It means less economic growth and higher debt. wapo.st/3SL42AD

wapo.st

Opinion | Trump is set to mark a dangerous first for the labor force

A drop in the number of workers in the economy is uncharted territory.

022

Reposted by Mark Regets

National Foundation for American Policy @nfapresearch.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

In its rule, DHS omits describing H-1B data showing a 91% drop in new H-1B filings at consulates (and company declines) after the $100K fee in Sept. 2025. The data undermine DHS's claim a $103,265 tax won’t affect company filings. @mclem.org @douglasrivlin.bsky.social www.forbes.com/sites/stuart...

forbes.com

DHS Omits Describing H-1B Data Undermining Premise Of Immigration Rule

DHS omitted describing data in its immigration rule that showed filings for new H-1B petitions plunged after a $100,000 fee was introduced.

075

Mark Regets @markregets.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Through multiple new rules on student visas, on OPT internships, and on work visas, the entire pipeline of high-skilled migration to America is being squeezed. DHS Omits Describing H-1B Data Undermining Premise Of Immigration Rule share.google/Pa8j5s7ysoTz...

share.google

DHS Omits Describing H-1B Data Undermining Premise Of Immigration Rule

DHS omitted describing data in its immigration rule that showed filings for new H-1B petitions plunged after a $100,000 fee was introduced.

031

Reposted by Mark Regets

The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 26/08/2026

"As disconcerting as it is to understand that the American president is no longer leader of the free world, it’s even worse to realize that the American president is not indifferent to the free world. He is openly opposed to it."

lnk.thebulwark.com

Trump vs. The Leaders of the Free World

We’re the baddies.

12547142

Reposted by Mark Regets

Mark Regets @markregets.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

We never should have started reporting imports and exports in the same trade report. As made-up economic indicators go, even the old "misery index" (unemployment rate + CPI) is more meaningful than subtracting imports from exports.

043

Reposted by Mark Regets

National Foundation for American Policy @nfapresearch.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

After a judge struck down the $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, Trump officials have proposed a broader tax. They assert the reason is no longer to restrict H-1B entry but to fund ICE and other immigration functions. @mclem.org @douglasrivlin.bsky.social www.forbes.com/sites/stuart...

forbes.com

DHS Immigration Rule Proposes A $103,265 Tax On New H-1B Visa Holders

The Trump administration is proposing a $103,265 tax on all petitions subject to the H-1B annual limit in a new immigration rule.

043

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

As much as "the economy is terrible for young people" is being over-hyped, it is true that the stagnation caused by slashing immigration means fewer opportunities for anyone just starting out. Falling labor supply does NOT create opportunities for those who remain.

1656

Reposted by Mark Regets

The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 03/08/2026

NEW from @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social: "We conducted three focus groups—one each in April, June, and July—with Michiganders who had voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 and planned to vote in the Democratic primary for the Senate race." lnk.thebulwark.com/45BmYEP?utm_...

93310

Reposted by Mark Regets

National Foundation for American Policy @nfapresearch.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

A $100K fee on Optional Practical Training would prevent international students from working in America. In response, “US companies would likely expand hiring overseas and shift more research & development out of the United States.” @mclem.org @adamposen.bsky.social www.forbes.com/sites/stuart...

forbes.com

New Immigration Plan Considered To Stop Students From Working In U.S.

The Trump administration is considering imposing a $100,000 fee on international students who want to work on Optional Practical Training.

022

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

A reminder to Bulwark readers in Michigan: Tomorrow is an OPEN PRIMARY, open to all voters. Primary electorates are the most difficult to predict, even in closed primaries. I make no predictions, but with the help of moderates of ALL political affiliations, the broad center can still hold.

341

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Michigan's Democratic Attorney General, Dana Nessel, said that she will not attend the Michigan Democratic Convention because she would not feel safe. Republicans who defy Trump often fear for their personal safety. The far left is doing the same to Dems. The hatemongering is destroying America.

011

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

True—where the silliness did the most damage. But I don't want Democrats to get scared about supporting expanding legal immigration. In a lot of ways they are still more reluctant to do that than were the Reagan/Bush/McCain Republicans.

062

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

We are doing something terrible to 1.3 million people while damaging America's economy, and DHS presents this with snarky dark humor: "Your Free Trial of America has Ended"

011

Reposted by Mark Regets

The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 26/07/2026

Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Haley Stevens in the Michigan Senate primary. How much weight does an endorsement hold, especially coming from someone who won the state twice? @citizencohn.bsky.social on what Whitmer's endorsement means in the upcoming Democratic primary.

448617

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Marc Rosenblum, DHS stat head, has resigned, leaving this message on Linkedin:

But it will come as no surprise that I'm thrilled to end my relationship with the current administration. Between the war on immiarants, the war on feds, and the war on facts (not to mention the crazy war in Iran and the brazen corruption), I just need a change.

032

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Michael is known as one of those people who makes very astute observations. Too many of them have been disturbing lately, but that is not his fault.

021

Reposted by Mark Regets

Dara Lind @daralind.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

I really wish that a large fraction of the “ICE is still in X place” attention were being paid to stuff like this. It’s not even about the people getting apprehended today. It’s about the people who DISENROLLED FROM THEIR LIVES out of fear and are now trying to pick back up.

217181

Reposted by Mark Regets

Michael Clemens @mclem.org · 20/07/2026

I can see there are people on here who think that academia must be exclusively controlled by people exactly like themselves. If you think that, it's a good idea to block me, because that is a poisonous view that will end up destroying our universities. And I will not sit by and watch that happen.

0142

Reposted by Mark Regets

National Foundation for American Policy @nfapresearch.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Intl. students, including PhDs, must finish degrees in 4 years. The only assurance from DHS in new rule is the right to file an extension. NFAP’s Mark Regets asks, “How is that a genuine assurance? Why take a chance on a US education?” @mclem.org @adamposen.bsky.social www.forbes.com/sites/stuart...

forbes.com

DHS Finalizes Immigration Rule That Imperils Status Of Many Students

The Trump administration has finalized an immigration rule that is expected to imperil the status of many international students.

197

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

We drive on the parkway and park on the driveway. We call the system that is massively social (voluntary interactions between businesses, workers, investors, and consumers) "capitalism" despite capital being the least compensated part. We call the centralized and LEAST social system "socialism".

011

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

On the 250th there is much to have pride in about America. True patriotism now means standing up to say NO! to everything that MAGA wants America to become.

021

Mark Regets @markregets.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

This exactly right. Regardless of the legality, it is not in America's interest to make 1.3 million people here legally with TPS into illegals. They contribute to America as workers, taxpayers, and parents of American citizens.

100

Reposted by Mark Regets

Mark Regets @markregets.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

As the Debt-to-GDP ratio passes 1.0, it seems like a good time to repost NFAP's October 2025 estimate that Trump's immigration policy could lead to a ratio of 1.29 by 2035. This is due to BOTH reduced GDP and increased Federal debt. www.nytimes.com/2026/05/07/b... nfap.com/wp-content/u...

nfap.com

012

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Here at #Welcomefest, a gathering of moderate Democrats. If any mutuals are here, let me know and I might share my secret identity (I think most immigration policy wonks have already figured it out).

011

Mark Regets @markregets.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

There are literally millions of people in the United States legally who we forbid to work. With a few exceptions, I have never viewed this as a good policy. Now, during a period of NEGATIVE labor force growth, we are expanding the work bans.

020

Reposted by Mark Regets

Katie Mack @astrokatie.com · 29/05/2026

It’s truly astonishing to see how comprehensively the US government is tearing down every part of the system that has made it up until now a world-leading power in science, research, and technological development. The entire world will suffer from this wanton destruction.

23980422822

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

California should NOT reinstate partisan primaries! If the concern is that sometimes the general election will have a candidates of the same party, a BETTER solution is a Top 4 nonpartisan primary like Alaska, with RCV in the general. Unlocked NYTimes article. www.nytimes.com/2026/05/10/u...

nytimes.com

Democratic Angst Could Lead California to Change Its Primary Rules

014

Mark Regets @markregets.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

nfap.com

012

Reposted by Mark Regets

Khashoggi's Ghost @urocklive1.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I lol'd at this.😆

Told my wife to have dinner ready at 6 or I'll obliterate her entire civilization.

So anyway, she now charges me a fee to use the bathroom that used to be free, and I didn't get any dinner, but I'm pretty sure I won that exchange.

6071241344

Reposted by Mark Regets

Walter Olson @walterolson.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Proud of my Cato Institute colleague David Bier who stood his ground at a hearing today and talked back to bloviating Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana). David responds to the clip and furnishes receipts. @cato.org

391424224

Reposted by Mark Regets

Janet Mills @janetmillsforme.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

The Trump Administration has continued to weaponize the federal government and abuse its power to threaten and intimidate anyone who doesn’t bend the knee to them. I’m running because Maine deserves a Senator who will stand up to him — and it’s clear that’s not Susan Collins.

214356

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

In memory of Neil Sedaka. And in memory of better times in America. 🎵There was a time when strangers were welcome here.🎵 music.amazon.com/albums/B0DQL...

music.amazon.com

021

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

To my friends on the left: Listen to Republicans, former Republicans, and conservatives talk about MAGA's threat to America in far more detailed and scarier terms than you often hear even on Bluesky.

012

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

From the Principles First National Summit: This group of moderates, conservatives, Republicans, and ex-Republican did nothing but cheer the people of Minneapolis. They are viewed as a ray of hope—Americans standing against tyranny when so many others find it inconvenient.

033

Reposted by Mark Regets

Principles First @principlesfirst.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

@michaelsteele.bsky.social: "Trump wants to stoke violence and he wants to use the levers of government to do it…If we don't feed the beast it starves. And that is what happened in Minnesota. We didn't feed the beast of violence with a violent response, and it starved.

12514

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

NYT gift article on the #PrinciplesFirst Summit I am attending. Good article, but I strongly disagree with the headline—we are NOT fractured and we are growing. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/22/u...

nytimes.com

A Fractured ‘Never Trump’ Movement Eyes an Uncertain Future

023

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

I am a consistent colorblind conservative. I don't give a damn about the ethnicity of either the Federal thugs or their victims. Let MAGA talk like we are in a race war—we don't need to encourage that BS.

011

Reposted by Mark Regets

New Dems @newdems.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Full statement from New Dem Chair @repschneider.bsky.social and @usprogressives.bsky.social Chair @repcasar.bsky.social on DHS reforms.

38104

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

"🎵Blood and bones, and these whistles and phones against Miller's and Noem's dirty lies🎵" George Will compared Minneapolis to Birmingham 1963. Both will be remember as ordinary Americans standing up for American liberty.

0115

Reposted by Mark Regets

Bruce Springsteen @brucespringsteen.net · 28/01/2026

I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Stay free

youtu.be

Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)

YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen

42559708540539

Reposted by Mark Regets

The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 26/01/2026

The attacks on Somalis, like the old "welfare queen" allegations, twisted some real facts and mainstream policy arguments into a fictional tale that leveraged ugly sentiments against a minority group in order to promote a more radical agenda.

lnk.thebulwark.com

How Somalis Became the New ‘Welfare Queens’

Trump has reinvented Reagan’s old attack, with one key twist.

1119046

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Anyone remember what we once did to a President for covering up a burglary? What should be done for 2 murders and multiple acts of violence?

011

Reposted by Mark Regets

Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Also, my father’s final words to me were to continue to fight the good fight. He would be honored in Alex’s sacrifice, and ashamed of this current administration. In my dad’s words, I encourage you all to continue to “fight the good fight.”

351796419

Reposted by Mark Regets

Pseudonym of a boring policy wonk by day @neveltenjohn.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

A view from Germany: "When they came for the children, I said nothing because they were not my children". The entire world feels the awful parallels.

021