When you think of Brazil, you may think samba or soccer, but Brazil has become big business to South Florida, and paving the way for Brazilians to get here should be priority one. 

Brazil is a $16 billion trading partner for Florida. It’s also Miami-Dade’s first billion-dollar tourist market. Yet South America’s largest country is not a visa waiver country for the U.S. That means Brazilians face long waits and obstacles for travel visas to enter the U.S. 

Last month, President Barack Obama signed an executive order expediting international travel. That’s a good start. But waiving visa requirements for Brazilians could double their travel and business in South Florida. Local 10 supports granting Brazil visa waiver status ASAP. 

That’s our take on things. Let us know what you think.