Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s third son, former Brazilian congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, who currently resides in the United States, has confirmed to the media that he has obtained permanent residency (green card) in the U.S.
On Monday, July 20th, Eduardo told Reuters in a phone interview that he obtained his green card through the “EB-1A” visa category, which is specifically issued to individuals with “outstanding abilities” in fields such as science, arts, business, and sports. He mentioned that the entire application process began approximately a year ago.
Prior to obtaining his green card, he had already been authorized to work legally in the U.S. He also made it clear that he will not return to Brazil unless granted amnesty, stating, “At least here (in the U.S.), I am free.”
On June 16th of this year, Eduardo was sentenced to 50 months in prison and an 8-year ban from holding public office by a Brazilian court. Brazilian prosecutors accused Eduardo of lobbying U.S. authorities during his father’s trial for attempted coup, urging them to impose tariffs on Brazilian goods and suggesting sanctions against Brazil’s Supreme Court justices to assist his father’s case.
In response, Eduardo publicly denied the allegations in Washington. He emphasized that the entire Bolsonaro family has become targets of “political persecution” by Brazil’s Supreme Court and moving to the U.S. was for self-protection.
He also stated that his lobbying efforts in the U.S. were not only to secure his father’s release but also to push for the punishment of officials who violate the Brazilian Constitution.
This case stems from the 2022 Brazilian presidential election. After losing to current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro questioned the election’s integrity, claiming serious fraud, which ultimately led the Supreme Court to determine his involvement in an attempted coup and sentence him to 27 years in prison.
Currently residing in the U.S., Eduardo may face arrest upon returning to Brazil.
Amid ongoing political tension in Brazil, the situation for former President Bolsonaro has become increasingly difficult. He is serving his house arrest sentence due to health reasons, but the Supreme Court has strictly prohibited him from using social media or phones directly or through third parties.
Last Friday, July 17th, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes further revoked Bolsonaro’s visitation rights for 30 days, allowing only medical personnel and appointed lawyers to have contact with him, and prohibiting him from receiving any visitors with political or election purposes, as well as making any political or election-related statements.
Earlier, Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Flavio, posted a handwritten letter from Bolsonaro on social media, calling for unity to support Flavio’s campaign for the next presidency. In response, the judge ordered a 90-day visitation ban for Flavio to see his father. Flavio criticized the move as “an attempt to interfere in the election.”