The growing wave of emigration from Brazil has aroused concerns both nationally and internationally, revealing a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. According to the Infobae article, according to recent data from the United States Customs and Border Protection, the number of Brazilians detained trying to enter the U.S. illegally has increased dramatically. This data shows that 11,119 illegal Brazilians were detained by the Border Patrol from October 2023 to January 2024, representing a 210% increase compared to the same period of the previous year, which recorded 5,295 illegal shipments from Brazil. The increase in emigration is evident not only among adults, but also among minors, many of whom travel alone in search of a new life in major American cities such as New York and Miami.

“Brazilians apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol were 3,155 in November compared to 1,178 in the same month of 2022 (an increase of 268%), while in December 2023 there were 3,245 compared to 1,599 in December of the previous year (+203%)”.

One of the most dangerous destinations for these migrants is the Darién jungle, an inhospitable region controlled by drug trafficking between Colombia and Panama. Crossing this area is particularly dangerous, with many losing their lives on the way. “The paradox is that of the more than 15 thousand Brazilian children and adolescents who have crossed the Darien jungle since 2020, most were children of parents who in turn emigrated to the Latin American giant, mainly Haitians, but also Angolans”, according to the publication.

“On the other hand, deportations from the United States have decreased. According to data from the Brazilian Federal Police, between January and October 2023, 1,557 Brazilians were deported to Brazil, with an average of about 5 deportations per day. In 2022, there were 4,457, with a daily average of about 12 deportations, almost always to the state of Minas Gerais, the main center of illegal emigration to the United States. This drop can largely be attributed to the end of the application of the so-called ‘Title 42', a US law aimed at curbing immigration, implemented during the pandemic”.

In addition to the United States, Brazilians have also been looking for opportunities in Europe, especially in Portugal and Germany. However, the recent rise of conservative policies in Portugal, such as the shrinking housing market due to the "golden visa" program, is creating additional challenges for Brazilian immigrants, many of whom now face precarious housing conditions.

This wave of migration also raises political questions, especially in the context of elections in Portugal, where right-wing parties such as the Democratic Alliance and Chega have expressed divergent views on immigration. In addition, Brazilians have been politically active in the country, thanks to the Treaty of Porto Seguro, which allows Brazilian residents to vote in Portugal even without Portuguese citizenship.

The report also highlights a shift in migration routes, with evidence suggesting that coyotes now prefer the route from Turkey to Brazil as a stepping stone to the United States. This phenomenon attracts not only Brazilians, but also migrants from countries such as Russia, Vietnam, and India, many of whom seek refuge in Brazil before continuing their journey.

In short, emigration from Brazil is becoming increasingly complex and varied, with significant social, political, and economic implications for both Brazil and destination countries.