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.

Perceptions and Realities of Globalization

Citizens armed with education and skills have less to fear from globalization
Jacob Funk Kirkegaard
May 30, 2008

Stung by Soaring Transport Costs, Factories Bring Jobs Home Again

Confronting rising energy costs, manufacturers think twice before relocating factories far from markets
June 18, 2008

Indian Techies Out, Teachers In

Schools recruit Indians to head US classrooms and fill the country's staggering teacher shortage.
Siddhharth Srivastava
September 18, 2003

People of Faith Seek New Dialogue on Immigration

A crackdown on illegal immigration fails to assist US workers and draws sympathy for immigrants
Jim Wallis
May 9, 2008

Immigration Issues End a Pennsylvania Grower’s Season

Politics frighten workers and put some growers out of business
Paul Vitello
May 9, 2008