Arun Venugopal is a reporter and the host of Micropolis, WNYC's ongoing examination of race, sexuality and identity. The series has explored such issues as the global skin-lightening market, the problems with ethnic sitcoms and the meaning of turbans.
Arun is a regular contributor to NPR's Morning Edition and All Things Considered. He has appeared on PBS Newshour, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, On the Media and Studio 360, and has been published in The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal and Salon. His commentary on Indian-American issues has appeared in the New York Times, the New York Post and the Associated Press. He also frequently serves as an emcee and moderator of panel discussions on race, religion and identity issues.
Previously, Venugopal wrote for India Abroad, and served as an editor at the multi-faith website Beliefnet. He lives with his family in Queens.
Arun Venugopal appears in the following:
Life Without Caffeine and Other Ramadan Realities
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
For some Muslims, the rigors of Ramadan can be softened with a little pre-planning.
Designers Delve Into the Lives of the Undocumented
Tuesday, May 01, 2018
From cheeky candy to a wearable camera, design students at Pratt explore ways to empower and comfort immigrants.
Nepalis Wonder If They'll be Forced to Leave the Country
Monday, April 23, 2018
After Salvadoran, Nicagaraguan and Haitian immigrants lost their Temporary Protected Status, members of the Nepali community wonder if they'll be next.
'Drag Queen Story Hour' Brings Some Sparkle to Preschoolers
Friday, March 09, 2018
Drag Queen Story Hour is exactly what it sounds like. And it's coming to a library near you.
An Immigrant Trek, From NYC to DC
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Worried about the direction of the nation's immigration debate, a group of young immigrants set off on foot from lower Manhattan to the nation's capital.
Hoping for a Game-Changing Immigration Debate? Don't Hold Your Breath.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Immigrants have a lot riding on the Senate immigration debate, but so far there's little to suggest anything substantive will emerge.
At Black Comix Expo, All Eyes on Black Panther
Sunday, February 11, 2018
As Black Panther arrives in movie theaters this week, black audiences think it could fundamentally change how they're seen.
Ravi Ragbir Avoids Deportation, For Now
Friday, February 09, 2018
A prominent immigrant rights activist argues that he and others are being targeted by the Trump administration due to their political beliefs.
Home Health Aides Aren't Showing up to Work
Wednesday, February 07, 2018
Changes to immigration policy are prompting some foreign-born healthcare workers to abandon their jobs.
#DesiWallofShame Targets the Trump Faithful
Tuesday, February 06, 2018
The Trump administration is chock-full of South Asian Americans, or desis. So progressives in the community are heaping on the scorn.
Sanctuary for Immigrants: Hugely Symbolic, Rarely Used
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
The implications are substantial for both the immigrant seeking a safe haven, and the houses of worship providing it.
Documenting Hate In 2017: A Year In Review
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
ProPublica's Documenting Hate team and 130 other newsrooms tracked hate crimes in 2017. Here's what they learned.
A Christmas Tale: An Immigrant Cuts Off His Ankle Monitor
Friday, December 22, 2017
Thousands of undocumented immigrants wear ankle monitors while they await immigration court proceedings, but a small number are choosing to cut them off in ceremonial protest.
Forced to Leave the U.S., Two Haitians Weigh Their Options
Thursday, December 07, 2017
The Trump administration's decision to end TPS for Haitians in the U.S. means the Dejean brothers may need to give up the life they've built for themselves in Brooklyn.
Haitian New Yorkers Ask Whether They Must Now Leave the U.S.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
The Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status for 59,000 Haitians forces members of the community to weigh their options.
Trump Administration Is Ending Temporary Permits for Haitians
Friday, November 17, 2017
The decision gives about 59,000 Haitians with Temporary Protected Status — about 5,200 of them in New York State — until July 2019 to leave the U.S.
Why the World Watched the Hoboken Election
Thursday, November 09, 2017
It was a racist flyer that caught everyone's attention, one that blared the word TERRORISM right next to an image of Ravi Bhalla's face.
'Union Busting Is Disgusting': Labor Movement Hopes Shutdown of News Sites Is a Pivotal Moment
Tuesday, November 07, 2017
The closing of the news sites DNA Info and Gothamist resulted in more than a hundred lost jobs. But labor organizers think the issue could rally journalists to their side.
Immigrants Brace for End of Temporary Protected Status
Sunday, November 05, 2017
Tens of thousands of immigrants from Central America could find out whether they'll be deported or allowed to remain in the U.S. longer.
Mayoral Opponents Make Last-Minute Pleas
Sunday, November 05, 2017
Right before the election, Mayor Bill de Blasio argued that the city was better under his watch, while Republican candidate Nicole Malliotakis called his integrity into question.
