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.

Death in the Sun

Fatal working conditions finally spur efforts to protect migrant laborers in California
Dan Glaister
August 9, 2005

A Passage from India

An Indian-American's perspective on outsourcing and the rise of his ancestral land
Suketu Mehta
July 12, 2005

In Spite of Offshoring, US Students Can Still Engineer a Career

A new insightful report predicts that the demand for engineering jobs in the US will remain strong in the next few years
David Wessel
June 20, 2005

Migration is Here to Stay, So Get Used to It

Discussion should shift away from impractical debate and toward devising strategies for effective management
Brunson McKinley
June 24, 2005

Unlikely Hero in Europe's Spat: The 'Polish Plumber'

The Polish Tourism Bureau has a clever plan to improve its image in France
Elaine Sciolino
June 27, 2005