Jobs are the lifeblood for national economies and family budgets. The search for economic opportunity often drives people to move around the globe. The most educated and highly skilled workers are in demand, and immigration policies often reflect that priority. Less skilled would-be immigrants, however, are often subject to tighter restrictions – even in nations where native citizens refuse to take on harvesting, construction, cleaning or other difficult tasks. Advanced technology reduces the need for labor; employers also rely on outsourcing, contract workers and the internet for digital work, including tax preparation, X-ray analysis or graphic design. Nations fiercely compete for jobs while multinational corporations reduce labor costs to increase profits.

A New (Under) Class of Travellers

Climate change requires both an environmental as well as a demographic solution
June 30, 2009

The Great U-Turn

Immigrants and the global economic crisis: now the grass is greener at home
Patrick Barta, Joel Millman
June 18, 2009

Immigrants Become Hostages As Gangs Prey On Mexicans

Searching for a better life, immigrants to the US become candidates for ransom by smuggling gangs
Joel Millman
June 12, 2009

Declining Immigration Slows Asian, Hispanic Growth

Why move if the grass on the other side doesn’t appear greener?
Hope Yen, Thu May
May 14, 2009

Japan Pays Foreign Workers to Go Home

Even if you’re of Japanese descent
Hiroko Tabuchi
April 24, 2009