Places with the most Brazilians in the United States

The United States has always exerted an irresistible fascination on people all over the world. For many Brazilians, the country represents the pinnacle of success, individual freedom and unlimited opportunities.

Not least, the country that receives the most Brazilians in the world is the USA.

But why are Brazilians so attracted to the “land of Uncle Sam”? And of the 50 US states, do you know what are the places with the most Brazilians in the United States?

In this article, we present the states with the highest concentration of Brazilian communities in the USAas well as exploring the main reasons why more and more Brazilians are choosing the “land of opportunity” as their new home.

Brazilians in the United States: Concentration by state

According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United States continues to be the country that receives the most Brazilians in the world, with an estimated 2.085 million residents according to the “Brazilian Communities Abroad” report for 2023. This number is significantly higher than that recorded in Portugal, which is in second place with 513,000 Brazilianshighlighting the widespread preference for these locations. The publication, which compiles information covering the period from 2009 to 2023, reveals the constant growth of the Brazilian diaspora, with a total of 4.99 million Brazilians living abroadan increase of 9% on the previous year. According to the study, the US states with the highest concentration of Brazilian communities are:

1. New York: 500,000 Brazilians
2. Boston: 390.000
3. Miami: 295.000
4. Orlando: 180.000
5. Atlanta: 110.000
6. Houston: 100.000
7. Los Angeles: 100.000
8. Hartford: 70.000
9. San Francisco: 65.000
10. Chicago: 45.000
11. Washington: 45.000

These figures correspond to the places with the most Brazilian residents and visitors in the United States. When it comes to only Brazilians with permanent residency, the numbers can vary.

Some surveys and estimates point to the following US states as the main destinations for Brazilians living in the US:

1. Florida: Traditionally, Florida, with cities like Miami and Orlando, is the state with the largest Brazilian community in the USA. The presence of Brazilians is strong in various sectors, such as tourism, services and business.
2. Massachusetts: States like Massachusetts, with cities like Boston, concentrate a significant number of Brazilians, many of them with academic backgrounds and working in areas like technology and education.
3. New York: New York City, one of the largest financial centers in the world, also attracts many Brazilians, especially qualified professionals.
4. New Jersey: Its proximity to New York and the presence of several Brazilian communities make New Jersey another state with a sizable Brazilian population.
5. California: Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, with their dynamic economies and cultural diversity, are also home to a growing Brazilian community.

In addition to large urban centers such as New York and Los Angeles (California), cities such as Houston, Chicago and Atlanta also fall into the category of places with the most Brazilians in the United States. This is thanks to economic diversity and job opportunities in the USA for Brazilian professionals.

Cities like Houston (oil and gas), Chicago (industry and finance) and Atlanta (technology and logistics) attract Brazilian professionals from various fields, boosting the growth of their communities

Increased interest from Brazilians in US visas and green cards

Over the last five years, Brazilians’ interest in obtaining a green card and living in the USA has only grown.

According to a brief analysis on Google Trends, searches for “American visa” grew by 23.73% from September 2022 to the same period in 2024.

The increase in searches for the coveted “Green Card” have also increased considerably, reflecting the intention of many Brazilians to secure permanent residency to live in the United States.

Why live in the USA? 5 reasons why Brazilians move to the USA

The expression “American dream” is not just a cliché. It encapsulates the aspiration of millions of people in search of a better life, whether through a well-paid job, a quality education or greater security.

For Brazilians in particular, the United States offers a unique set of attractions that sets it apart from other popular destinations such as Canada or even European countries.

The reasons why Brazilians live in the United States involve a series of personal and professional factors. However, some reasons stand out as the most important. main drivers of this migration:

1. Professional Opportunities

• Job market: The United States offers diverse opportunities in sectors such as technology, healthfinance and industry.
• Salaries: In general, jobs in the United States offer higher salaries than in Brazil, providing a better quality of life.
• Professional growth: Many American companies offer training and professional development programs, which attracts professionals seeking career advancement.

2. Quality of life

• Safety: One of the main attractions is the perception of greater security in the United States, with crime rates generally lower than in many Brazilian cities.
• Infrastructure: The country has a more developed infrastructure, with good schools, hospitals, public transportation and basic services.
• Lifestyle: American culture offers a more individualistic lifestyle with diverse leisure and entertainment options.

3. Education

• Higher education: American universities are recognized worldwide for their excellence, attracting students and professionals in search of high-quality education.
• Study opportunities: There are several options for scholarships and exchange programs for Brazilians wishing to study in the USA.
• Education for childrenMany parents decide to immigrate in order to offer their children a top quality education.

4. Economic and political stability

• Economy The United States has a more stable economy with lower inflation, which generates more confidence in investments.
• Political system: The American political system, although complex, is seen as more transparent and stable by many Brazilians.

5. Family reunion

• Family: Many Brazilians move to the USA to be closer to family members who already live in the country.

6. Other reasons

• Climate: The climate in some regions of the United States, such as Florida, is similar to that of Brazil, which makes adaptation easier.
• Immigration: The possibility of obtaining American citizenship and guarantee a more secure future for themselves and their families is a motivating factor for many.

It’s important to note that the decision to move to another country involves challenges and adaptations. Language, culture and cost of living are some of the aspects that should be considered before making the decision.

Experts stress that family planning is crucial to avoiding unforeseen circumstances and minimizing the emotional and financial impacts of immigration. Preparing all the challenges of the process increases the chances of a smooth and successful transition, guaranteeing security and stability in the new country.