Interesting observation. I can say from personal experience, that the downtown area of hometown (Danbury) was noticeably less congested last year than in 2006, but that may be due to the overall economic downturn. Downtown is the mecca for all things Brasil, in that area. I will have to check in with my local pals, and compare notes with your findings. Thanks, again.
There may be fewer in my area now, but I doubt they went home (and there are still plenty here). I do see some businesses suffering, especially those that opened with the intent of separating the illegals from their ill-gotten, untaxed wages (Spanish/Portuguese sports bars, Latino fast food joints, etc.); those that stayed can’t be getting much work (NJ is literally dying out economically).
My pleasure; always happy to learn what’s going on “on the ground” in other parts.