In The News

The West Is Teeming with Africans Doing Odd Jobs Because Our Leaders Can’t Provide Vision or Hope

Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem May 31, 2006
The narratives of illegal immigration in both Europe and North America often focus on the problems faced by receiving countries or the trials of those forced to live covert lives in foreign lands. The exodus of citizens from underdeveloped states, however, imposes the most harm on the countries that are abandoned. Author Abdul-Raheem describes the irony of sitting on a plane next to a man who...

The Contest for Memory

Naima Bouteldja May 30, 2006
In taking responsibility for their most ignominious periods, including colonialism and slavery, nations must display honesty and commitment. Gestures from the government of France to recognize its history have been undercut by attempts to revise the story of a colonial past depending on geography, sometimes emphasizing glory and achievement rather than bloodshed and victimization. France has...

US Plan to Lure Nurses May Hurt Poor Nations

Celia W. Dugger May 30, 2006
The US is the wealthiest and healthiest country in the world, but has no qualms about enticing nurses from poor countries. The US Senate, in approving its version of immigration reform, has included a clause that would remove any limits on the number of nurses allowed into the country through 2014. The sponsor of the legislation suggests that the bill would attract more nurses from India and the...

“I’ll Make It to Europe, Or Die Trying”

Matthias Gebauer May 25, 2006
Mauritania, like other African countries, offers a desperate future. Residents age with a fatalism born of a failed education system, joblessness and constant violence. Any endeavor to escape is a testament to the human spirit, and many pin their hopes on a treacherous Atlantic journey to Europe. The risk often ends in death or disappointment as patrols from Europe capture makeshift boats,...

Does a Growing Worker Shortage Threaten China's Low-Cost Advantage?

May 15, 2006
China’s hold on the title of low-wage manufacturing giant may be in jeopardy. This year, a job program designed to entice migrant farmer-laborers into Chinese cities fell short of expectations, as many workers chose local rural employment. This reflects a general labor shortage in regions of the country and possible fallout from governmental tax and labor policies that encouraged farming. With...

Work in Progress: Prosperity in Home Countries May Not Stem Tide of Migrants to the US

Joel Millman May 9, 2006
Economists and politicians long assumed that increasing jobs in impoverished nations could slow illegal immigration from those countries. Yet one study suggests that increased opportunities in home countries like Mexico or Brazil promote skill development. Many workers still want to apply new skills in the nation that offers the best pay and standard of living. Analysts suggest that the chance to...

An Ugly Side of Free Trade: Sweatshops in Jordan

Steven Greenhouse May 4, 2006
The story of abusive sweatshops is familiar, but still haunting. Reports suggest that as quickly as retailers and critics improve conditions in one location, new factories and abuses emerge in other nations. Jordan is the center of attention for impoverished people desperate for work and new criticism. A report from the National Labor Committee, based in the US, points out that workers are...