This project investigates the communicative dynamics of anti-immigration activism in Portugal, focusing particularly on the Brazilian migrant community, the largest foreign group in the country. In recent years, the intensification of Brazilian migration has coincided with the rise of far-right movements and the proliferation of xenophobic and racist discourses in the Portuguese public sphere. Against this backdrop, the research examines how digital platforms such as Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) function as arenas for the articulation, dissemination, and mobilization of anti-immigration narratives.

 

The study adopts a qualitative methodological framework, combining digital ethnography, in-depth interviews with activists and migrants, and frame analysis to map discursive repertoires, strategies of mobilization, and identity-based disputes. Particular attention is given to the circulation of stereotypes, hate speech, and misinformation that shape public perceptions of migration.

 

Beyond academic analysis, the project seeks to contribute to social impact by fostering collaboration with migrant associations, such as Casa do Brasil de Lisboa, and by promoting public workshops on media literacy to counter hate narratives. The fieldwork, carried out in Lisbon and Braga, also included participation in academic events and community-based initiatives, reinforcing the project’s commitment to knowledge transfer and social engagement.

 

By connecting communication studies, migration research, and critical approaches to digital media, the project aims to advance interdisciplinary debates and provide empirical insights into the challenges posed by anti-immigration activism in contemporary Europe.