Barcelos Bakery: A Center of Community and Tradition
At Barcelos Bakery in Fall River, customers eagerly line up to select pastries from expansive glass cases and bread from large wicker baskets. Orders frequently include a dozen pastéis de nata, cappuccinos, and rolls slathered with butter and cheese. A few extra pastries for good measure are often encouraged.
The American Dream of the Rodriguez Family
This beloved Portuguese bakery embodies the dedication and labor of Sarah and Antonio Rodriguez. Both emigrants to New Bedford in their youth, the couple met while working at a local bakery, later marrying and acquiring Barcelos 22 years ago.
“I live here, am raising my kids here, and operate my business here, so I’m invested in this city,” Sarah noted.
Economic and Political Divergence in the Community
The Rodriguez family’s journey represents a broader American success story. They have built their enterprise in a city known for its significant Portuguese population, relying primarily on immigrant labor. However, as mass deportations unfold under President Trump’s administration and turmoil continues in Iran, the Rodriguez family and others in the southeastern Massachusetts Portuguese community exhibit a spectrum of perspectives on economics, politics, and the essence of the American Dream.
Work Ethic and Hiring Challenges
For Sarah Rodriguez, hard work is synonymous with fulfillment and ambition. She reflects on her reliance on immigrant labor to sustain their business, emphasizing the importance of Portuguese speakers given that 80% of their clientele do not communicate in English.
Despite the bakery returning to pre-pandemic operational levels, Sarah notes a critical staffing shortage. With vacant positions persisting for months, closed hours have become a necessary reality. Even with increased flexibility in her schedule, she is forced to shut down two hours early each day and close at 1 p.m. on Sundays.
Political Reflections on Capitalism and Immigration
Sarah perceives Trump as a pro-business antidote to the “socialist” frameworks she believes complicate the business environment in Massachusetts. She expresses concern over a welfare system that enables some to avoid contributing while asserting, “We’re not seeking benefits. Many immigrants aren’t either.”
Immigration Perspectives within the Community
Antonio Rodriguez, in contrast, believes that the United States should welcome more immigrants legally. He recounts how his family endured a decade in pursuit of permission to enter the country, stating, “Now we are American citizens. We did everything you were supposed to do.” This sentiment reverberates through Fall River’s Portuguese community and contributed to Trump’s unexpected success in the city during the last presidential election.
Legacy and Contemporary Challenges
Although Portuguese immigrants have historically faced less stringent scrutiny than other communities, the current political climate has incited some undocumented families to voluntarily return to Portugal, overwhelmed by the prospect of deportation. Helena DaSilva Hughes, who started working at the Immigrant Assistance Center in 1984, reflects on the transformations and challenges faced by this community.
A Gathering Place for Reflection and Debate
Casa Benfica, a social club in New Bedford, serves as a gathering place for supporters of Portugal’s top soccer team, where conversations often revolve around cultural and political reflections. While sentiments about Trump vary, many attendees express concerns about his administration’s impact on small businesses and immigrant labor.
A Call for Change
As the midterm elections approach, sentiments within the community remain divided, yet there is a collective understanding that a new leadership might better align with the principles that initially drew many to the United States. The desire for a stable economic landscape coupled with a commitment to diversity resonates strongly among both new and long-established members of this vibrant community.
This report is part of the ongoing “State of the ‘Dream'” series, showcasing the narratives of immigrant communities that have shaped Massachusetts over the years.
