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.

World Banker and His Cash Return Home

Money earned in one part of the world can alleviate distant poverty
Jason DeParle
March 24, 2008

Goodbye America, Hello India

The Indian IT boom is luring skilled expatriates away from the US, where the bubble has burst.
Roger Mitton
August 19, 2003

Young Foreign Workers Fill Summer Shortages

But a bad economy may breed bad blood with American workers.
Steven Greenhouse
July 20, 2003

IBM Explores Shift of White-Collar Jobs Overseas

Potential loss of high-paying jobs worries politicians and workers.
Steven Greenhouse
July 22, 2003

Germany Topples EU Immigration Policy

Migrants will find refuge only in countries that choose to welcome them.
Carola Schlagheck
July 11, 2003