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.

When I'm 64

The elderly of Europe don't have to stop working and can avoid a retirement crisis
Hans Ulrich Maerki
November 1, 2007

Dare to Compare?

A study ranks the nations of Europe on immigration policy
Kathy Tzilivakis
November 2, 2007

Exploiting Thailand’s Burmese Refugees

Victims of Burma’s civil war escape only to endure poverty and abuse
Jürgen Kremb
November 12, 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