The Travails of U.S. Military Contractors in Kuwait

When we talk about migration, we’re typically focused on noncitizens coming into the United States. But U.S. citizens also leave our country to work overseas.

A stunning NYT Magazine piece follows the travails of U.S. military contractors in Kuwait. Travails is a bit of an understatement. Several contractors — mostly African American — have been arrested, tortured, and imprisoned on bogus drug charges. And the United States has done little to help.

The article not only offers a compelling narrative about these drug cases it also provides an interesting perspective on what motivates U.S. citizens to work in places like Kuwait. Turns out it’s the same thing that draws people to the U.S.: money and opportunities.

-KitJ