Brazilian Immigrants in the United States: Cultural Imperialism and Social Class

Beserra examines Brazilian immigration to the United States from the perspective of the relationship between the two countries as it developed through American imperialist expansion in Brazil. Drawing on ethnographic research among Brazilians in Los Angeles, she shows that direct or indirect contact with American culture develops the need to live or the dream of living in the United States. Once in the U.S., different expectations and reasons for immigrating, class position in Brazil, and the networks to which Brazilian immigrants are connected define how they will integrate into American society. By exploring the experiences of the members of two Brazilian associations, the Portuguese-speaking Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Chino, and the Brazilian Women's Group in Los Angeles, Beserra offers important clues for understanding the various expressions of the political economy of social class, race, and ethnicity in the United States.