At the end of nineteenth century, the number of Portuguese immigrants increases. From about 200 in 1876, they were 1.300 in 1886, an increase of 11 000 in ten years. The large increase occured nevertheless after the 1st World War, when the lack of manpower was felt for the reconstruction of France. 49 000 immigrants were present in 1931. In the thirties and forties, theses numbers decrease, but in the beginning of 50s early 50s the migration started again. Between 1951 and 1960, 17.851 Portuguese immigrated in France. The emigration of Portuguese in France between 1961 and 1974, is one of the episodes most impressive of the contemporary history of Portugal which constitute a real exodus of the Portuguese population.
About one millions of Portuguese settled in France since independence of Portugal of XIIe century. Lot have established there to develop economic activities, disposed to working in all works possible, other to fleeing political persecution and religious ...The difficulty begins from the start of the trip, the transports to the border are dangerous. Lot of Portuguese died during this trip. In France they were victims of all type of discrimination in the work, in housing and in the smallest daily things, humiliation they must support cost that cost.
Not many people hope to get rich, but all hope for a better life which they can’t have in their countries. It’s a real wave, largely illegal.
The Portugues who are most many in the Paris region, finished to disperse in all the France. In Corsica, for example, in 2004 there was one of the most large communities of Portuguese (about 13 miles).