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.

Why Africa Must Make Health Spending a Priority

Spending on health care reflects a society’s respect for the skill
Helen Nyambura-Mwaura
April 4, 2008

Promise of US Jobs Lures Migrants Who Vowed to Stay in Mexico

Mexican economy has a worker surplus and an inability to deliver jobs
Alfredo Corchado
February 25, 2008

Offshoring Spreads Its Wings

Cost-cutting is not the only reason why companies shift jobs to new locales
Kate O'Sullivan
March 5, 2008

Dying to Live

On illegal immigration, governments emphasize security concerns rather than human rights
Gihan Shahine
March 7, 2008

Wave of Immigrants Breaks Against Italian Island's Shore

Danger will not deter thousands of Africans seeking work in Europe.
Frank Bruni
July 11, 2003