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.

US Plan to Lure Nurses May Hurt Poor Nations

US plan to lift immigration restrictions for nurses could backfire and spread global disease
Celia W. Dugger
May 30, 2006

Moment of Truth

Without fair enforcement and acknowledgment of worker contributions, US immigration policy will fail
Robert Scheer
May 1, 2006

An Ugly Side of Free Trade: Sweatshops in Jordan

Sweatshop abuses and allegations emerge in new locations
Steven Greenhouse
May 4, 2006

Shaking Spain Out of Its Siesta

Administrators complain, but Spanish workers eagerly abandon the traditional midday meal to be in sync with EU counterparts
John Ward Anderson
April 26, 2006

Immigrants Take to US Streets in Show of Strength

Immigrants strive to show what US life would be like if they vanished
Randal C. Archibold
May 3, 2006