Engraved on the pedestal of the Statute of Liberty is a poem by Emma Lazarus with the famous lines "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled mas

The Island's growing population of Brazilian immigrants came here in large part to better their economic condition, but a study released last week shows that in many cases the endeavor is taking a serious toll on their health.

Danubia Campos can remember back six or seven years ago when she knew every Brazilian on Martha's Vineyard.

Walk down aisle nine toward the meat department at Reliable Self-Service Market in Oak Bluffs, and you quickly notice something different about the

Waiting List for English Classes Is Long; Indicator of Intent to Stay

By CHRIS BURRELL

They are, said Jeanne Burke, the people who sustain the Island, the ones who ring up the groceries, paint the houses and tend the gardens.

They are also the ones knocking on Ms. Burke's door in staggering numbers, looking for a place in one of the six English classes taught through the Martha's Vineyard Adult Learning Partnership, where Ms. Burke is the director.

A federal civil rights investigation of the Oak Bluffs and Tisbury schools has cited both for failing to meet the instructional needs of their growing population of Brazilian students.

The investigation was triggered by a parent complaint in November which alleged that the schools' lack of trained teachers, interpreters and appropriate materials was shortchanging Brazilian students.