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.

Dole Blues

Companies wary about extending life-long job security to young, untested workers
David Gow
March 23, 2006

Help Wanted as Immigration Faces Overhaul

Federal proposals would require employers to bear the burden of enforcing immigration laws
S. Mitra Kalita
March 27, 2006

Immigration Debate Heats Up

Debate could expose the extent of American reliance on illegal immigrant labor
Darryl Fears
March 22, 2006

Spain Scrambles to Cope With Tide of African Migrants

African migrants risk hazardous open-ocean journey in search of jobs
Renwick Mclean
March 21, 2006

The Poor Get Richer

A closing income gap in the US may not be a reason to rejoice
Geoffrey Colvin
March 17, 2006