The Fading Dream: Why Brazilian Immigrants Are Leaving Portugal – Level 1

Portugal is a dream country for many Brazilians. But now, many are leaving Portugal and returning to Brazil. Why? The main reason is the high cost of living. Rent for an apartment is very expensive, especially in big cities like Lisbon. It is much more expensive than in São Paulo, the most expensive city in Brazil. Because of this, many Brazilian immigrants cannot afford to live there. They work in jobs with low salaries, so paying the rent is very difficult.

Another reason is that some people are not welcoming to immigrants. The government is also making it harder for new people to come and live in the country. Some Brazilians have experienced verbal and even physical attacks. This makes them feel unsafe and unhappy. They feel that life in Portugal is not as good as they thought it would be. So, they decide to go back to their homes, families, and friends in Brazil. The dream of a better life in Portugal is changing for many people who feel the benefits no longer justify the cost and the distance from home.

New Words:

1. Dream: A strong wish or hope for the future. Example: Her dream is to become a doctor and help people.
2. Expensive: Costing a lot of money. Example: That new car is too expensive for me to buy.
3. Leave: To go away from a person or place. Example: We have to leave the house at 8 a.m. to catch the bus.