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The highest concentration of Brazilian immigrants can be found in Framingham. The first wave began in the 80s-90s, but since the year 2000 there has been an influx in new arrivals. Around both the southern part of the city and Ashland, there are abundant Brazilian-owned businesses and services. This includes restaurants, accounting services, dentists, etc. It’s common to hear Portugese on the street; there is a strong sense of immigrant community here. Similar to other Brazilian communities in Massachusetts, community help centers and churches are of utmost importance. This includes places like The Brazilian American Center – BRACE, the Saint Tarcisius Parish, and the MAPS.
The first Brazilian immigrants that came to Framingham were drawn to the low rents and strong economic potential, allowing them to pursue new commercial activities or business ventures. Population loss in the 90s meant that newly arrived immigrants were able to create a strong community of their own while growing their businesses. Most of these immigrants come from the Minas Gerais region, which drives deeper bonds of unity among them. Following their lead, friends and family soon followed, resulting in an even larger and more tight-knit community.
The Brazilian community has created numerous family-owned businesses, but it also comprises a strong workforce in the restaurant industry, supermarkets, car dealerships, house cleaning services, etc. Most of them are employed and require a car to work. In general, the older immigrant population has a more stable life and livelihood. Many of these men work in construction, whether they’re employed by someone else or own their own business. Unemployment is a large concern for this group, particularly in the context of the pandemic. As more new immigrants arrive, increasing numbers of women and children have sought out assistance from the community help centers and churches.
This community is concentrated around the southern areas of Framingham and Ashland, and they represent the largest group of Brazilian immigrants in the greater community. As a result, they hold distinct power as it relates to political organization and voting. They are a strong group and want to keep it that way. Stolen wages, uncompensated labor, and barriers to obtaining a driver’s license are the primary issues faced by the state’s growing population of Brazilians, both documented and undocumented. Lack of legal status leaves them in limbo. Additionally, immigrants with specialized skills - such as those who previously worked in the medical field - are forced to take on menial work.
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