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.

Sources: New Law to Jolt Outsourcing

With new tax laws, China signals intent to pursue a bigger share of the IT outsourcing market
Shen Jianyuan
May 4, 2007

Gephardt Is Preparing a Measure to Legalize Illegal Immigrants

Democrats want to grant permanent residency status to some of the 8 million illegal immigrants in the United States.
Carl Hulse
July 23, 2002

Anti-Migration Patrols Start in Mediterranean

Can a common European border patrol stem the tide of illegal immigrants?
January 29, 2003

Turning Globalization on Its Head

European firms send staff to India to prepare for the global economy and to attract foreign investment
April 4, 2007

AFL-CIO Jumps Into Protests

Its focus broadening, the AFL-CIO steps up its participation in protests against the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
September 11, 2001