two words - South Africa South Africa: Over 1000 New Academics Needed in Higher Education - allAfrica.com
If I was a (relatively) young, unattached person with a PhD in the Humanities/Liberal Arts and had a very small chance of getting a university teaching job in the US, and a very good chance of driving a cab (or whatever) then I think I'd be sending off my CV. I might not take the job but it's always good to maximize your options.
Is there something inherently "wrong" or not "right" about legally moving to a place where one's quality of life may be higher and where there are better work opportunities? I'm not sure that I follow here.
Well, I guess it's a values thing. As for me, I won't be at all surprised if someday I'm living in another country and (hopefully) have a higher standard of living because my skills are more sought after.
I agree completely and now with the online learning environment continuously expanding, there are so many opportunities to live in a place where one wants to live and possibly at a higher living standard while still drawing a decent American salary. As long as one is doing things legally and respecting the laws and customs of their new country, I don't see any problems.