PROCESSO MIGRATÓRIO DE MULHERES: DO SUL DE MINAS GERAIS – BR PARA O SUL DA FLÓRIDA – EUA

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to investigate population displacement and the migration process of women to the United States, addressing more specifically how this migratory flow has been occurring in the southern region of Minas Gerais, what challenges they face, what motivates them to immigrate to the United States, especially to the Florida region, and their experiences in this process, which is known to be challenging. International migrations are formed based on specific historical conditions in particular socioeconomic contexts. Within these migratory processes, which continue to this day, it is important to highlight those carried out by women, whose search for development leads them to leave their country of origin and seek better conditions in other countries, especially the United States. The research presents a gender perspective, highlighting women, who seek better living and working conditions in countries with larger economies, such as the United States. This process also reveals a complex path full of adversities, both in the migration process itself and in living abroad and ensuring better social and financial conditions. The specific objectives of the research were: to identify the facilitating and hindering factors in the process of displacement of women from Minas Gerais with regard to issues of gender, race, ethnicity, social class, age, education and regionalisms; to understand the motivations and experiences of women from Minas Gerais in the displacement process; to identify the perceptions of women from Minas Gerais regarding relations between Brazil and the United States with respect to immigration. Methodologically, this was a qualitative research approach using Oral History. The instrument was a guided interview in which 10 women who migrated from the south of Minas Gerais-BR to Florida-USA were interviewed. The data produced were analyzed using the triangulation technique, which articulates the narratives, the context and dialogues with authors who study the emerging themes of the narratives. As a result, it was noted that women migrate in search of better cultural, financial and social conditions. There was no single pattern regarding motivation or difficulties of immigration, but a series of factors related to the personal characteristics of each interviewee. It was realized, however, that despite the difficulties with the English language and adapting to the new culture, they have no interest in returning to Brazil.