ABSTRACT

PORTUGUESE EMIGRATION
THE PRESENCE OF ABSENCE TROUGHOUT THE AGES

For Portuguese expatriates the absence of the national territory traditionally meant the immediate loss of political rights and protection of the State as well as the loss of the nationality, when they became citizens of another State.
Nevertheless they succeeded in being present in the daily life of the country by keeping all kinds of links with the people and the territory, by the constant support of their family, the huge quantities of money they sent home, their many investments and contributions for progress.
Links they also kept abroad trhough the setting up of a countless number of cultural centers, mutuality’s, media, schools, clubs - powerful and long-lasting associations that were and are another form of Portuguese presence in five continents.
After 1974, with the democratization of the country the tendency is to recognize dual citizenship and equal political, social and cultural rights with the residents, as Portugal is seen more as a nation of people scattered all over the world than as a territory.
(resumo Emigração Portuguesa - presença e ausência)