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.

US Court System is Big Opening for Immigrants

Non-Mexicans crossing into Texas 'disappear' in large numbers
Jesse Bogan
October 14, 2003

As China Gallops, Mexico Sees Factory Jobs Slip Away

500 factory closings since 2001 have cost Mexico over 200,000 jobs.
Juan Forero
September 3, 2003

Can Rich Countries Stem the Outflow of Jobs?

The knowledge gap between rich and poor countries is narrowing, and jobs are moving accordingly
Eddie Lee
September 23, 2003

Call Centre Boom is Here to Last

India expected to grow its 'back office' services sector.
Rashmee Z Ahmed
September 1, 2003

Workers of Our World, Legal or Not

Interests of immigrants and the US workplace go hand in hand
Tim Rutten
May 27, 2008