Bye Bye Brazil! Syrian and Lebanese immigrants and the expulsion of foreigners in the beginning of 20th century

Bye Bye Brazil! Syrian and Lebanese immigrants and the expulsion of foreigners in the beginning of 20^th century

Julio Bittencourt Francisco

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

(UFRGS) in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Abstract        

       This paper shows, through the presentation and analysis of the expulsion processes of Syrian and Lebanese immigrants from Brazil, the private lives of some members of the this community in the country in the early decades of the twentieth century. It can be seen how family intrigues, conflicts, and divisions within the group contributed to the expulsion decrees. It also showcases evolution of laws, decrees and bills the Executive power maneuver in order to detour from social problems and get rid of undesirable aliens in emerging cities of the country.

       Key words: Immigration, Syrian and Lebanese, Brazil, expulsion