The Fading Dream: Why Brazilian Immigrants Are Leaving Portugal – Level 2

For many Brazilians, living in Portugal has long been a dream. However, a growing number of these immigrants are now deciding to leave, with many choosing to return to Brazil. The primary driver behind this trend is the soaring cost of living, particularly for housing. For instance, the average rent per square meter in Lisbon is now significantly higher—about 84% more—than in São Paulo, Brazil’s most expensive city. This sharp increase makes it incredibly difficult for many immigrants, who often work in service or construction sectors with salaries close to the minimum wage, to make ends meet.

Besides the financial pressure, changing immigration policies and incidents of xenophobia are also major factors. The Portuguese government has tightened its control over immigration, making it more challenging for foreigners to obtain residency. This shift is linked to the rise of a radical-right political party with a strong anti-immigration stance. Consequently, some Brazilians have reported facing discrimination and hostility. They feel the quality of life no longer justifies the high costs and social challenges, especially when it means being far from their families and culture. This has led many to reconsider their future in Portugal.

New Words:

1. Immigrants: People who come to live permanently in a foreign country. Example: Many immigrants from Italy moved to the United States in the early 1900s.
2. Soaring: Increasing very quickly to a high level. Example: The soaring prices of gasoline are making it difficult for people to drive.
3. Policy: A set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed to officially by a group of people, a business organization, a government, or a political party. Example: The company introduced a new policy on remote work.