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Losing Its Young to an American Dream
Leandro Francisco dos Reis surveys a 416-lot subdivision site in Governador Valadares. Most lots were paid for with money from U.S.-based relatives.
(By Fred Alves For The Washington Post)
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"That kind of thing happens all the time around here," said Costa. "All the time."
Earlier this year, Costa started an association for friends and relatives of emigrants to help smooth the problems that often result when families are spread so far apart. He arranges legal help through a partnership with a local law school. He offers advice on investments, helping link immigrants with local opportunities. He's the one people go to when they need help with anything from divorce proceedings to funeral arrangements.
Costa, 42, has never lived in the United States, and he says he's never wanted to move there. In the 1980s, when he was in his early 20s, a wave of immigration lured almost all of his school friends stateside. When he recently traveled to the United States with city officials to visit Brazilian immigrant communities, he said it was like a high school reunion. He also saw a lot of young locals.
"The young generation of this city, those between 20 and 25 years old, are almost all living in the U.S.," said Costa. "I think it is slowing down some after Mexico started requiring visas, and thank God -- we wouldn't have anyone left here."
Costa talks to a lot of young people about the risks of moving to the United States, reminding them of the family strain, the hard life that awaits them, the trouble that a lack of English skills can bring.
One of those young people sauntered by the gas station, wearing a University of Oklahoma Sooners T-shirt.
Costa chatted with him, understanding the magnetic pull of the United States while trying to convince him that happiness is not a guarantee abroad.
The boy was Guilherme. He listened, smiled and remained thoroughly unconvinced.
