Try to get a professional job in Brazil (or Argentina, Costa Rica, etc)... using your degree (Economics). Trouble... its difficult for you to do this (a) from the US, and (b) without speaking Portuguese. So, what you could do.... come to Brazil (or Argentina :- ) on a tourist visa, learn portuguese (or spanish) and work hard while you are here to find a professional (better paying) job .. that will sponsor your work visa. To make money while you are temporarily looking for full time work... try teaching English.
is this right...?
If so, then I was thinking... if I were you, these would be the steps I would take...
See also: