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.

Child Sweatshop Shame Threatens Gap's Ethical Image

Children in developing nations pay a heavy price for popular bargain fashions in the West
Dan McDougall
October 31, 2007

A World of People on the Move

Migration is a fact of life in a global economy
Antonio Guterres
December 3, 2007

Chasing the Chinese Dream

China puts out a new welcome mat for immigrants
Ariana Eunjung Cha
October 25, 2007

US Lets in More Immigrants for Farms

Forget that big border wall, urges a US in need of farm workers
Nicole Gaouette
October 9, 2007

Outsourcing Is Too Wild to Fit Economic Theory

IT work does not stop for any border
Andy Mukherjee
October 9, 2007