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.

Political Clout in the Age of Outsourcing

White-collar workers may find less public support for protecting jobs and high salaries with training and certification regulations
David Leonhardt
April 21, 2006

Disappearing Delphi

Industry leaders complain about the high costs of US wages
Rick Popely
April 18, 2006

A Nation of Immigrants Clashes Over the Future

The US debates methods for controlling illegal immigration
Georg Mascolo
April 12, 2006

Immigration Shakeup Will Bar Most Unskilled Workers From Outside EU

United Kingdom targets the richest and most educated workers
Alan Travis
March 13, 2006

America's Immigration Advantage

US culture and institutions are more accustomed to absorbing immigrants than Europe
Marcelo M. Suarez-Orozco
March 6, 2006