Colonias

The bill would help address accessibility issues for the thousands of colonias in the U.S., most of which are in Texas.

It's estimated that half a million people live in colonias along the Texas-Mexico border. These communities lack basic needs for the residents, including running water, storm drainage and sewage. What are the challenges of living in a colonia? Who is responsible for improving the substandard conditions?

The residents of some of the lowest-income communities in the nation often have to drive long distances for groceries and basic services. But over time, they have overcome inaccessibility by starting businesses themselves.

For decades, residents of some of the poorest neighborhoods along the border have dealt with foul and even toxic drinking water, all while paying some of the highest prices for this basic need. Now, several hundred colonia residents are suing a company that they allege has routinely ignored their pleas for help and even ushered in a predatory market that profits off the problem.

Despite significant progress to better living conditions in colonias over the last four decades, these settlements are still defined by their worst moments. While the public’s attention on colonias has largely centered on squalor and societal neglect, Francisco Guajardo says there’s more to the story.

Republican State Representative Ryan Guillen of Starr County has introduced a bill to weaken Texas law in place to stop the spread of colonias—border settlements with substandard infrastructure. Now local officials and experts fear what will happen if Guillen’s bill passes.

The unofficial neighborhoods along the border count about a half-million residents. Many lack basic infrastructure and resources, like water.

For people living in colonias, any substantial rainfall in the Rio Grande Valley is a menace.

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