The primary objective of this study is to increase our understanding of the Brazilian community residing in San Diego. In addition, this case study seeks to answer the question of why Brazilians chose to come to the United States. Most traditional approaches to explain migration decisions are rooted in neoclassical economic rational actor models. These approaches have overlooked the role that mass media has on influencing peoples' decisions to come to the United States. I argue that one of the primary motives influencing Brazilians to come to the United States is a certain level of assimilation into American mainstream values that started in their home country. In other words, the perception that Brazilians have of the United States, which is partially informed by mass media, has an influence on Brazilians' decisions to come to the U.S. Moreover, this study shows how this Latino population continues to assimilate to mainstream American culture after arrival in the United States.