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.

In France, an Economic Bullet Goes Unbitten

Politicians and voters of Europe procrastinate over economic reform
Floyd Norris
April 11, 2006

Visa for Cream

Britain limits migration from India to those with brains and wealth
Sanjay Suri
April 12, 2006

Making American Money at Home in Mexico

Cancun lures US tourist dollars and workers from all over Mexico
Manuel Roig-Franzia
April 4, 2006

Businesses Make a Push for High-Skilled Foreign Workers

The US could find it tough to compete in cutting-edge industries if it does not welcome talented immigrants
June Kronholz
April 7, 2006

Managing Globalization: Costs of Exporting Labor

Countries like the Philippines can become too dependent on citizens’ earnings in other lands
Daniel Altman
April 3, 2006