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.

Silicon Valley's Immigration Problem

Immigration of highly skilled labor is no longer a one-way path
Elizabeth Corcoran
March 12, 2007

Hershey's Outsourcing

Globalization and outsourcing could end with climbing energy costs
Herb Field
March 7, 2007

South Asians Taking Risky Route to Europe: Via Africa

By land, sea and air – illegal immigrants from South Asia take a path with detours to Europe
Caroline Brothers
February 26, 2007

Managing Globalization: The Global Quest for a Second Passport

Dual nationality is on the rise, as more citizens cross borders in search of work
Daniel Altman
February 7, 2007

Behind Roses' Beauty, Poor and Ill Workers

While the rose industry in Ecuador is booming, labor conditions are of little consideration.
Ginger Thompson
February 13, 2003