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.

Should We Globalize Labor Too?

If the poor want to work and jobs are available, what’s so special about national borders anyway?
Jason DeParle
June 13, 2007

The Last 'Competitive Advantage': Letter From China

Employers take advantage of a never-ending source of workers in China, literally working some to death
Jehangir S. Pocha
June 12, 2007

Outsourcing Your Life

Americans get creative in finding new tasks that can be outsourced
Ellen Gamerman
June 11, 2007

Malaysian Employers Want Clampdown on Indonesian Workers Eased

Governments may decide who enters, but when businesses need foreign workers with specific cultural backgrounds, economic growth and political regulation may clash.
Anon.
February 17, 2002

Calling India

Tutors from India provide low-cost online help in math, science and SAT prep for American students
Scott Kraft
May 10, 2007