Brazil is a country of extremes. This is manifest in the contradictions that permeate its economic, political, and social realities. Copious amounts of natural resources, vast productive lands, and a highly mixed population comprise the fifth largest country in the world. Its assets, however, are so poorly distributed that wealthy Brazilians, about 18 million people (out of over 180 million inhabitants) control 44% of the nation’s capital. On the other hand, 10% live in extreme poverty, dividing between them 1% of national capital (Betto, Frei. Rebelion).

In this light, it is not surprising that the migrations of economic refugees increase exponentially. Approximately 400,000 Brazilians live in the United States and approximately 80,000 – 150,000 reside in New York City (Folha de Sao Paulo.) In 2004 I interviewed a number of Brazilian immigrants living in New York City to get insight on their reasons, challenges, and outcomes of their journeys into the ‘land of opportunities.’

Lorena Endara was born and raised in Panama City, Panama and currently lives in North Carolina. She holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College in Visual Arts and Social Sciences. Lorena uses photography as a means of exploring the relationship between peoples and their geographies.

To contact her http://www.lorenaendara.com