International emigration of Brazilians to the United States: social networks and the role of mediation exercised by tourist agencies

Abstract

This article analyzes the role of “intermediary mechanisms” (especially the active role of tourist agencies) in the international emigration process of Brazilians to the USA. First a dynamic and relational approach to the understanding of the migration phenomenon is established. Next, a formal structural analysis (grounded on Social Network Analysis and Graph Theory) was carried out to facilitate understanding of emigration by considering its basic structural characteristics. The final analysis suggests that tourist agencies play an important role of structural mediation for migrants entering the country. The action of such agencies is decisive in regulating migratory flows through well-established social networks in the Brazilian international migration system.