Brazil Could Help Solve Europe's Refugee Crisis

Could the most practical solution to the refugee crisis in Europe be an ocean away in South America’s largest nation? This may strike some as far-fetched, but bear with us. For humanitarian and economic reasons, Brazil may offer the best hope for the hundreds of thousands of Syrians fleeing war and the millions of Africans desperate for a better life across the Mediterranean. In the process, Brazil could also rescue itself from dire financial straits.

Brazil has a long history of integrating immigrants from different corners of the world. Since the start of the 20 century, Syrians and Lebanese arrived in Brazil to trade, farm, operate machines, study and contribute to the country at large. The legacy from Middle East immigration is prominent in commerce, art, science and politics, notably with Brazilian President Michel Temer himself descending from Lebanon-born parents.