“IN THE WAITING ROOM”: EXPERIENCES AND STRATEGIES OF BRAZILIAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS LIMITED LEGALITY

This study explores the strategies utilized by migrants under the visa regime of international student and their experiences throughout their time as non-immigrant temporary visitors. The concept of “visa regime” forwarded by Banerjee (2022), illustrates the mechanism of state power that controls immigrants and their families through limited legality (Banerjee 2022). Through the qualitative methods of in-depth interviews and ethnographic work, this study compares the experiences of 20 Brazilian international students in a geographical area known for its ethnic communities. South Florida is home to one of the two largest Brazilian communities in the United States, offering an array of opportunities and community support for Brazilian migrants. As demonstrated in this study the experiences of participants demonstrate how the status of international student becomes a waiting room for those hopelessly waiting for an opportunity to acquire permanent residency. With limited pathways to acquire a green card, the waiting room may seem endless for some with limited resources. Leaving both migrants and the educational institutions enabling this waiting room in a vulnerable position.