Brazilian Americans

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Brazilian Americans are Americans who have Brazilian heritage. They form the largest Brazilian community outside Brazil, with about 1.775 million people in the United States (0.53% of the U.S. population). Of these, roughly 620,000 were born in Brazil and live in the United States, while about 1.16 million are American-born with Brazilian roots.

Where they live
The biggest Brazilian American communities are in the New York City area, Boston, and Miami. Important communities are also found in Newark, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia, and the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

Language and religion
Most Brazilian Americans speak Portuguese and many are bilingual in English. The community is mostly Christian, with Roman Catholics being the largest group, along with Protestants and smaller faiths.

Why they came
Large waves of migration occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to Brazil’s inflation and economic problems. People continued to move to the United States afterward seeking better jobs and living conditions. Some immigrants entered the U.S. legally, while others did not.

Life in the United States
Many Brazilian immigrants are well educated, but their foreign credentials are often hard to recognize in the U.S., leading some to take lower‑paid jobs. Women have historically higher college attainment than men. Second- and third-generation Brazilian Americans tend to be more integrated, with better job prospects, English skills, and citizenship.

Health, culture, and community
Early on, some Brazilian Americans faced challenges in finding affordable health care and language support. Public health programs now work to improve access and bilingual care. Brazilian American culture stays strong through media and community groups, including newspapers like Brazilian Times in Massachusetts. Brazilians also send money back to family in Brazil, supporting households there.

Identity and politics
Brazilians are not considered Hispanic. In some government categories they are counted as Latino, but definitions vary. Brazilian American voters have tended to support the Democratic Party in recent elections (about 78% in 2016 and 71% in 2020).

Overall
The Brazilian American community is diverse and continues to blend Brazilian traditions with American life while maintaining close ties to Brazil.