As of the 11th of this month, the world turned its attention to the United States-Mexico border, where thousands of immigrants were waiting to seek refuge in the country. This was due to the end of “Title 42,” a significant immigration regulation that allowed the U.S. government to automatically expel anyone arriving in the country without a visa or necessary documentation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since then, asylum seekers have been interviewed by immigration officials, and those who can prove they are being persecuted in their home countries may remain in the U.S. until a final determination is made.
However, lawyer Ingrid Domingues McConville warns Brazilians about this type of visa. Those who are not “eligible for asylum” may face deportation. It is very difficult, or nearly impossible, for the American immigration authorities to grant political asylum to Brazilians because such cases are complex. Although the rule for obtaining the visa is a threat to the applicant’s life with persecution in their home countries due to race, religion, nationality, association with a particular social group, or political opinion, Brazilians are seeking asylum for reasons related to the country’s economic difficulties and political disagreements. Only on these bases is it very challenging to have asylum granted. One must prove a “well-founded fear” of returning to Brazil.
It is evident that the interest of many Brazilians in emigrating to the U.S. increased significantly after the last presidential election, with the pursuit of immigration processes skyrocketing in various American immigration offices since the election results. Consequently, many entrepreneurs are deciding to migrate their businesses and investments to the United States, and there are various legal pathways that lead to legal residence in the country. Work visas are the most sought after, as highly qualified Brazilian professionals with proven education and experience can join those who have already achieved the coveted Green Card.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 1.8 million immigrants from Brazil (including legal and undocumented) live in America. The estimate is that this number will reach two million people by the end of this year.
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- Ingrid Domingues-McConville founded DM VISA LAW – Domingues McConville, P.A. in 1995. She has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1995 and a member of the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. Ingrid earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. With 28 years of experience in Immigration Law, Ingrid has represented clients throughout the United States and worldwide, handling both business and family immigration matters. She has assisted companies and individuals in obtaining visas and permanent residency in the United States. Ingrid plays a significant leadership role in the Brazilian community in South Florida and across the United States, providing much-needed legal guidance and advice.