Changes in work life and job opportunities have been among the most visible aspects of globalization. Highly skilled, educated people are sought after by countries from Singapore to the United States, and immigration policies often reflect that priority. Less skilled would-be immigrants, however, are often subject to tighter restrictions - even in places where native citizens are unwilling to accept manual labor jobs. In addition, many in the industrialized countries - especially in the manufacturing sector - resent losing their jobs when their employer decides to move operations overseas where labor is cheaper. The following articles have been assembled to shed light on these and other related issues.

A New (Under) Class of Travellers The Economist, 30 June 2009 Climate change requires both an environmental as well as a demographic solution

Economic Downturn Fuels Human Trafficking Howard LaFranchi The Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2009 Is it the global recession, more profits, or different data collection that has led to a rise in human trafficking?

The Great U-Turn Patrick Barta and Joel Millman The Wall Street Journal, 18 June 2009 Immigrants and the global economic crisis: now the grass is greener at home

Globalization's Ugly Side: Sex Slavery John Boudreau The Mercury News, 11 June 2009 The chance to improve one’s life lures the unwitting and poor into the sex trade

Declining Immigration Slows Asian, Hispanic Growth Hope Yen and Thu May Associated Press, 14 May 2009 Why move if the grass on the other side doesn’t appear greener?

Japan Pays Foreign Workers to Go Home Hiroko Tabuchi The New York Times, 24 April 2009 Even if you’re of Japanese descent

Wall Street Still Finds Ways to Hire Foreigners Robin Sidel The Wall St. Journal, 15 April 2009 Government regulations on foreign hiring may actually increase international labor flows

The Road Not Taken The Economist, 20 March 2009 Overpriced homes and limited health insurance are obstacles to worker mobility

Workers Without Borders Jennifer Gordon The New York Times, 12 March 2009 An open and fair system that encourages mobility could improve wages and conditions for all workers

Despite Rhetoric, Offshoring Won’t Stop Dinesh C. Sharma YaleGlobal, 9 March 2009 A global recession is the time for outsourcing some tasks and reducing costs as well as anxiety

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