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Between October 2023 and January 2024, the number of Brazilians detained while attempting to enter the United States across the border fell dramatically; factors range from actions by the Biden administration to the deterrent effect of Donald Trump’s anti-immigration campaign.
In recent months, the presence of Brazilians at the U.S. border has seen a significant decline. Between October and December 2023, fewer than a thousand Brazilians were apprehended by U.S. authorities while attempting to enter the country illegally.
In January 2024, that number was even lower: fewer than 500. The reduction is attributed both to the tightening of immigration policies by Donald Trump, who intensified his anti-immigration rhetoric during his campaign, and to actions taken by his successor, Joe Biden, who tried to curb migration flow with alternative measures.
Stricter Immigration Policy in the United States Impacts Number of Brazilians
During his administration, Joe Biden created mechanisms to regulate the entry of immigrants through asylum requests — such as the CBP One application, which is currently suspended.
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At the same time, he expanded deportations as a way to curb the growth of illegal crossings, which peaked at over 2.5 million in 2022.
These initiatives directly impacted the number of Brazilians trying their luck at the border, even though this route has not historically been the most common for this population.
According to data from the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), apprehensions of Brazilians by U.S. border agents surged from 3,100 in 2016 to 57,000 in 2021 — an escalation that drew attention from authorities on both sides of the border.
During the same period, Mexico also recorded an increase in detentions, rising from 300 to 17,000 Brazilians on Mexican soil.
In response, the country implemented a visa requirement for tourists from Brazil starting in August 2022, attempting to slow the advance of irregular migration.
Estimates Reveal Growing Number of Brazilians in Irregular Situation
A recent survey by the MPI indicates that, by mid-2023, there were approximately 13.7 million irregular immigrants in the United States.
Of that total, 286,000 were Brazilians, placing Brazil as the seventh largest community in this condition.
Additionally, according to information sent to the U.S. Congress, around 70,000 Brazilians were living in the country with expired visas in 2023 — evidence that, for many, this continues to be the main mode of entry.
It is estimated that the Brazilian community in the United States exceeds 2 million people, although the Brazilian Foreign Ministry does not specify how many are in legal situations.
The growth of the Brazilian presence in the country draws the attention of researchers like Gabrielle Oliveira, a professor at Harvard University.
According to her, although the border is not the first choice, many have started to consider it given the increase in tourist visa rejections. “Most of my interviews show that Brazilians who previously managed to come as tourists are being denied,” she explains.
Trump’s Speech May Be Inhibiting New Attempts
The practical effect of Donald Trump’s tougher rhetoric against immigration seems to already be having an effect, even before a potential return to presidency.
The firm rhetoric and the history of restrictive actions may be serving as a brake for new crossings, including by Brazilians.
Although the data shows a recent retraction, experts warn that migration flow is sensitive to political, economic, and social variables in both Brazil and the United States.
And as long as the search for better living conditions continues, the crossing at the American border will remain an option, albeit a risky one, for thousands of Brazilians.
With information from Folha de São Paulo.
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