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.

Work in Progress: Prosperity in Home Countries May Not Stem Tide of Migrants to the US

For immigrants, skills acquired at home lead to better pay in the US
Joel Millman
May 9, 2006

Microsoft's Gates Sees Vietnam Outsourcing Potential

Wealthy investor visits poor nation in search of talent and offers economic tips
Jason Folkmanis
April 25, 2006

Off the Job, Onto the Streets

US immigrants, legal or not, demonstrate newfound political power
Miriam Jordan
April 16, 2006

Mothers Want Hope for Their Children

Illegal immigration has a human face
Sonia Nazario
April 19, 2006

Stitching Labor Change in Italy

Italian textile union leader promotes production incentives to combat outsourcing
Jennifer Clark
April 17, 2006