US-Brazil Forum to Discuss Immigration Reform in Washington

Presidents Dilma Rousseff of Brazil and Barack Obama will attempt to return bilateral relations to a positive during Obama’s visit to Brazil. Both governments' intentions are to initiate a new round of cooperation, including efforts to deepen trade, tourism, and anti-terrorism cooperation during the ramp up to the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, both to be held in Brazil.

Just as Dilma and Obama sit down to talk, U.S. citizens and Brazilian residents of the U.S. will gather in Washington, D.C. on March 19th to participate in the first ever United States-Brazil Civil Society Forum.

The purpose of the Forum is to develop a better understanding of this very special and growing community in the U.S, as well as its major public policy interests, including an immigration reform that promotes family visits and reunification. 

The Forum also provides for a discussion of the need and viability of establishing a national association to represent U.S. citizens and Brazilian residents who share a special bond with Brazil, wish to promote Brazilian arts and culture in the U.S., and are working together for greater cooperation between the governments and peoples of Brazil and the U.S.