Conditions, Health Risks Sicken Colonias Residents
Part two of a two-part series.
PHARR — Laura knows what comfort feels like: Before leaving Reynosa, Mexico, for Texas a few years ago, she lived with her in-laws in a house with bedrooms and flushing toilets, with electricity and a leak-free roof. Now, the 23-year-old — since deserted by her husband — pays $187 a month to live in a dirt-floored shack that is part broken-down motor home, part splintered plywood shed. She bathes her five runny-nosed, half-clothed children, all under 10, with water siphoned from a neighbor’s garden hose. And she scrubs their diapers and school uniforms in the same ...
Comments (33)
Dexter Peabody
We don't have enough of these problems - let's import some more.
David Spratt
A Caterpillar with a 14 ft blade would cure the problem, but then where would these valuable people live? Maybe back in Mexico where they belong? 23 years old with five kids, am I supposed to feel sorry for her or be outraged that she is allowed to squat here and feed at the public trough? I prefer outrage! INS can't find her? These are the people Obama would have join our country, already starting out on welfare and no end in sight. For Gods sake GET RID OF THEM!!!!!!! Nothing but parasites for parasites to feed on.
Frank Fuller
Cholera - really? Don't doubt everything else.
David Spratt
Looks like this article vindicates Leo Berman and his claims a while back Illegals are importing and spreading disease. Some need to read about the resurgence of TB and other diseases in Central and South America. Illegals coming in are bringing these with them. Good news for Americans who love their Illegals.
tom boyles
Since it is Sunday, maybe no one will be offended if I quote from Matthew 35:25.
For I was hungry, and ye gave me food: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
I don't know how so many people in this state can profess to be good Christians and yet have no problem with children living here in these conditions. As the article pointed out, these children are American citizens.
David Spratt
In 1986 we gave an estimated 2.7 million amnesty, with a promise to secure the border and that this action would solve the problem and would not be repeated. Now we have an " official count of 11 to 12 million and are asked to do the same again. Next time it will be 40 to 50 million. These people made the choice to go there,( AGAINST THE LAW), no one forced them to and no one forces them to stay. While I consider myself a Christian there is a limit to my compassion and ability to give. I already pay for their schooling, probably food, health care and more. How much more am I expected to do? They choose to come and live under horrible conditions expecting the rest of us to feel sorry and provide them with their every want and desire, in spite of the fact they are not legal Citizens and really should be back in their own countries. Providing better conditions and everything they want will only encourage more to come. The populations of these ghettos would explode if they got what they are asking for, and none of them can afford any of it.
sam lozano
This is exactly why we need close the gaps in our border!!! These immigrants are coming in expecting more than what we can provide. What is sad is that , because it is so easy for illegals to walk in to American hospitals and have children, they just keep on having more and more. I wish these illegals would consider that having children while illegal, uneducated, and living in squalor does not bring prosperity. For that matter, I wish Washington would recognize that spending on entitlements will break the back of all Americans.
roadgeek
Emily Ramshaw is tickled, I'm sure. She found another illegal alien with a litter of anchor babies and seems to feel that her article will arouse our tender American mercies. Wrong. Deport them all. Bulldoze the colonias. Why is it the duty of the United States to provide shelter and plumbing and electricity and education and health care to illegal aliens and their crotchlings? The only tax money I want spent on people like Laura is birth control. The only other illegal-alien related money I want spent in the Valley is for a stout fence along the river to keep the Mexicans and other illegal aliens out.
Isabel Quilantan
I first found this article captivating; until I came across the fourth paragraph, at the point the word Hispanic was used. That turned me off. I lost all my faith in the credibility of the writer.
Anyone who uses the word Hispanic has not done their homework, is simply inept, or is actively trying to muddy the waters, so to speak, on a sensitive subject. Real Hispanics, descendants of those of European-Spanish stock, would love to blur the lines between themselves and their victims, those native of this Hemisphere.
They would much rather be associated with their victims rather than be seen as the reason for their victims plight.
Just remember who the real illegal immigrants are here. Those with the mighty gun, in five-hundred years have gone from immigrants with nothing more than their guns and boats to owners of every place they have gone to; and the natives, left with nothing but a dog biscuit. Thanks to the power of the gun.
tom boyles
I am underwhelmed by Texas Christian charity. We are so moved at the plight of rich yacht owners that we give them tax breaks and yet we care nothing about children living in shacks with dirt floor and no running water. I hope that the next time we beg the Federal Government for disaster relief, someone will remind us about how we respond to the disastrous conditions our children live in.
roadgeek
Mr Boyles, those children are not "our" children. They are not "my" children. They belong to an illegal alien who made the conscious decision to trade a more comfortable life in Mexico for a life of squalor in a colonia. I didn't invite her to come here, nor did I impregnate her and father her children; I bear no responsibility for her plight.
Bear in mind, Mr. Boyles, that childbirth has been optional for all women in the United States since 1960. Since that date birth control has been cheap (or free) effective, legal and readily-available. Even one child is one too many for a single mother living in a colonia....5 children stretches credulity and sympathy to the breaking point.
Perhaps, Mr. Boyles, you and your progressive ilk can organize some sort of fund-drive on your local NPR affiliate and take this poor unfortunate yet incredibly fertile woman under your wing. But, as Sam Goldwyn remarked, "Include me out."
tom boyles
Laura's five children are native born Texans, thus they are US citizens as well. Since they are here and probably not going anywhere, isn't it common sense to provide them with at least the minimal assistance that help them to become good citizens and taxpayers rather people who are incarcerated or institutionalized and a net drain?
BTW we didn't really legalize the use of birth control pills by married couples until 1965, and any men who make unsolicited responses that they are not the fathers of these children should be prepared to submit cheek swabs.
roadgeek
I stand ready at any time to submit to a DNA swab; I did not father her children and did not invite her into this country. Since the children are American citizens, and I shudder to type that, they should be educated. And that's it. That is all I am prepared to concede. And since 53% of all Hispanics nationwide end up dropping out of school and not gaining a high school diploma I would venture to say that even the amount spent on education (about $120,000 per child from K-12) is many times wasted.
Mr. Broyles, you go adopt those children since you are so concerned for their future. But keep your progressive fingers out of my wallet. My wife and I made our family planning choices based on what we could afford, and having to subsidize health care and education and shelter for the children of Laura the breeder is irksome in the extreme.
David Spratt
Laura's five, COUNT THEM FIVE, children are " Citizens " only by virtue of a misused and abused 14th Amendment, which we hope will be changed or reinterpreted soon. They already receive " minimal assistance" and would like to get more. Laura herself deserves to be deported as an ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT. Rather than condemning the rest of us who barley hold on to what we have , why do not some of those advocates for Illegals take them under your wing and feed, house and clothe them? I am sure once the word got out you would have many more showing up at your door.Where is CPS on this issue? Children climbing on mountains of garbage like it is a playground. No running water or electricity. If this were an American Citizen treating their children this way they would be behind bars before the day was out. Since it is only a poor misunderstood and disadvantaged ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT nothing is done and they look the other way, just as the BP and ICE are doing. They are being used as pawns to garner sympathy through articles such as this. Mr Boyles, why don't you look to your own. Many of the people that mine the coal that provide your electricity to keep your food fresh and your house cool live not much better than these illegals. Your President would shut down the coal fired plants that provide them with the meager living they have at great peril to their lives and health, as well as those thousands of people who operate those coal fired power plants.. At least they are willing to work for what they have and do not ask for handouts. Yacht owners and those who buy corporate jets contribute to the economy greatly. How many thousands of people work on or provide services to those who actually build those jets and Yachts? They are not " tax breaks" it is called depreciation. Do you consider your home mortgage deduction a " tax loophole", medical expenses, interest, or any costs associated with your job? Yes by all means tax the so called rich even more , and prevent them from buying any expensive items that produce jobs for the rest of us, that will solve the problems. Demonize anyone who makes over $200,000 per year and prevent them from accumulating any wealth, which seems to run contrary to the hope and change we are expected to embrace. Lets redistribute wealth to those who breed beyond their means and do nothing except expect others to support them and their hopes and dreams. Let us forget about personal responsibility, the rule of law, and just concentrate on who needs what and just give it to them. Sounds like socialism to me and I did not sign up to fight for that ideology.
Full Disclosure
The amount of compassion shown in most of the comments is outstanding. I applaud that you have the courage to show us all your true colors. Your philosophy of selfishness and xenophobia is a tribute to the most pure brand of right wing ideology. I pray you don't have children to teach your values of hate and intolerance.
Your ignorance of the law is also quite spectacular. The United States Supreme Court has held, time and time again, that anyone born here are citizens of the United States. This has been the law of the land for over 100 years. Unlike most countries, we pride ourselves as a country of immigrants and our laws and jurisprudence reflects that.
Even if they weren't U.S. citizens, who cares? They are children. It is not any different that any other child in the world unless you believe that only "American" children are valuable.
It is not surprising that no one has mentioned the "unscrupulous or predatory developers" that took advantage of these people. I guess some people believe that if you are undocumented that it is ok to be cheated or scammed.
This is not my America. My America is compassionate and provides opportunity to do better and be better. My America does not hate the "other." My America does not turns it back on neediest and most defenseless in our society. My America defends, protects and provide those that need help.
I am disgusted by the rhetoric of David Spratt & roadgeek. I hope that you have no position of power or influence in our society. You embody the worst in people and hope that your find some light for your black heart.
David Spratt
Full Disclosure, I am well aware of the law and everyone in my family is taught to respect it. I have read Wong Kim Ark, Dread Scott, Plyler and the other relevant cases regarding Citizenship and education of Illegals. As one of the last Industrialized nations to grant Citizenship based on jus soli, this will be changed for the good of the country very soon. The end run around our Immigration laws and the abuse and misuse of the intent of the 14th will come to an end. In the company I work for now I am responsible for the firing of more than quite a few of these lawless scoundrels and have put Americans into their jobs. I work tirelessly to rid our country of these parasites, no matter what color they are, what language they speak or where they came from.They are the ones that have no regard for our laws, sovereignty or our borders. I vote in every election, I am very politically active. I am involved in numerous organizations that seek to protect and preserve the Constitution and limit activism by liberal Judges who seek to legislate from the bench.I finacially support five organizations dedicated to closing our borders, deporting the invaiders and restricting further illegal immigration as well as reductions in legal immigration. So if you are far left Liberal or Progressive, are not a Constitutionalist, do not believe in the Federal Government's limited and restricted powers as expanded on by Madison in Federalist 51, are an open borders advocate, Member of La Raza, The ACLU, support the Southern Poverty Law Center, or the American Communist party, seek to restrict prayer , ,,, Then I am your worst nightmare. I support America's interests and Americans first, all others do not interest me in the least. I do not ask these people to put themselves into these positions and then expect someone else to bail them out. Life is full of choices and it seems that people such as this laura choose very poorly. it is not my burden to bear. If you feel so strongly , then I suggest you get in your vehicle and drive to her and do what you can. I am sure the reporter who wrote this story can deliver your substantial check or contribution to her personally should you choose not to make the journey yourself.
yana guana
David Spratt,
Please go back in history and look at your ancestors. Where did they come from, Mr. Spratt? they came here as illegal aliens, because they did not apply for entry into this continent with the proper authorities which were the American Indians. No, they came here knowing full well they were doing something evil just because they could, against the relatively defenseless Natives.
What right do intruders have of drawing borders and making countries in a land that does not even belong to them? why hurt beautiful people that have contributed so much to humanity? your ancestors could not get along with their fellow Europeans, and instead of solving their problems they ran away from their them. To foreign lands they ventured only to hurt those that had never ever done any harm to them.
Now that you have talked the talk, it is time for you to walk the walk. Rectify the sins of your forefathers and go back to Europe where you belong. Lead by example and the world will follow in your footsteps.
David Spratt
My forefathers came through Ellis Island, Legally. Since most people want to pick on Mexicans, ( I make no such distinction), very few of them are even native and the Spanish took Mexico , Central and South America the very same way the English , French took North America. Shows how little you know of History yourself. I happen to have as much Native American blood in me , and more than many Mexicans have in them, My grandmother being full blooded Cherokee. There were no laws, as there are now. Lets all ignore the lawless nature of these people who now understand The United States has been a soverign Nation for 235 years and there are laws against their actions, yet they ignore them since it is not convienent for them. As for being beautiful people, many are. I have many friends who are not Citizens. This does not change my viewpoint , their status or their rights to anything this country has or has to offer. We can all look to the news on a daily basis and see how well the Government of Mexico and it's people are doing. If it were not for the billions of $ flowing out of this country to Mexico and other South American countries their economies would be even more destitute than there are now. I would suspect you suport the transfer of these billions out of our economy here in the U.S. to these other countries? This creates a need to print more $ thus devaluing the money you have . You may not mind giving your hard earned money or the value of it to other countries, but I do. There is a much larger picture that many people like you do not see, simply because you refuse to. The poor individual stories tug at the heart, but there are millions if not billions more just like them. Your emotional side over rules the rational side. We can continue to let millions come unchecked, it will only diminish our quality of life here. The world is not what it was 200 years ago.I do not live in the fantasy world or the past. I live in a real world with real problems. I am concerned about my family foremost. This means I am concerned about the state of my country foremost and those fellow Citizens I call Americans.
Jennifer E.
David, while you may have a Native American grandmother, you don't have more indigenous blood in your veins than the average Mexican-American or Mexican for that matter. They are essentially a mix of Spaniards and Native Americans, but some are much much more Native American than Spaniard.
In any case, anyone born here is a US citizen. Plain and simple. No way around it.
True charity turns a blind eye to legal status.
Jorge Reyes
Sr. Spratt,
Su lógica y argumentos no son válidos. Simplemente porque en menos de una generación los mexicanos serán la mayoría en Texas. Construya sus paredes y pase sus leyes racistas. Al final, sus nietos más que probable van a tener un apellido mexicano.
Saludos.
Dave Mundy
Question: Did this reporter do her duty as a citizen and report the illegal aliens? Why not? Aiding and abetting a criminal.
Hannah Katz
We have a duty to spread the word, south of the border, of just how bad things are in Texas for those who break in to the state: Please do not risk your lives to live in poverty here. For your children's sake, stay in Mexico where their health will be better.
Gigi ATexaslady via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Lets recap, a woman 23 years old has 5 kids under 10 years old. Sounds more like a baby factory than anything else. Perhaps she should go back to a better life in Reynosa Mexico. Stop the dole to anchor baby moms. I'm sure the volunteers are glad to tell them all about the "free" programs for them paid by our tax dollars. Let's run ICE through several of these colonias, that should clear up a lot of the problems. Volunteering is good, but why not for real American kids that need it? Stop pandering to illegals just because they can spurt out babies each year.
Dave Mundy
Jennifer E. -- True charity turns a blind eye to status, yes. True charity is not accomplished with tax dollars, it comes from your heart, as is the case with the doctor in the story.
As far as anyone's "indigenous" status -- I was born here. I am a Texan -- not a European. People born in Mexico are Mexicans. Babies born in Texas to parents who are illegal aliens are Mexicans, not Texans and not American citizens.
Luisa Newton via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Rick Perry's Texas: no birth control, no health care, no good schools and cases of dengue fever, tuberculosis while Ricky hasn't a clue
Dave Mundy via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Luisa Newton's Texas: free abortions to control the black and Mexican population, unlimited funding to administrators of school districts which STILL fail, and unchecked drug crime, rape, murder and robbery as Mexicans continue to be fed across the border by their government to accomplish the "reconquista."
Andrew Patterson
While it's breaks my heart there have been and will be those who will pray on others. I grew up in Laredo and have seen more than most people should see. The article refer to insurance that half of the people in the colonias have health insurance. I'd like to see that statistic. If it's correct then it raises questions as how we treat those in our Country who have less and seek to better themselves.
Where's the Texas Attorney General.... the Governor .... those agencies that we set up to protect those who can not protect themselves?
Drew
Andrew Patterson
woo ow, just read some comments and it's clear that either some people have no sense or very little sense when it come to those who are less fortunate. Or it may be that they just forgot to take their medicine that morning.
We are not isolated anymore. We are a global people with governments set up to administer regions. While we pretend to help some segments of our global community and ignore others (Dar For ? spelling).
Be I do believe we have to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others..... we can not ignore what is going on.
Do onto others have you would have do on to you. Sound familiar....
Drew
Manny Sepulveda via Texas Tribune on Facebook
dave Texass: fear,, hate,, lie,,, distort,,, mislead,, corporation owned,, 1950's myth.
Manny Sepulveda via Texas Tribune on Facebook
yeah GIGi!!! real american kids ,,, the white ones!!! those are the only ones you consider american,,, everyone else is just an anchor baby to you......
Gigi ATexaslady via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Manny, no not only white...you don't know me so how can you speak...
Bill Eaves via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Dr Bose, please if America would stop funding all the other countries that hate America we could take care of our legal Americans! But we can't continue to fund other countries & illegals! Sorry
caroline reisacher
Hello everyone.
I am a French student currently working on Colonias issues in Texas, particulary in El Paso county.
Part of my research is focusing on public opinion. Since I see that many of you have opinion on this subject I wonder if you would accept to respond to a few questions? Just so I can summarized your ideas.
If you agree, the questions would be as followed:
Who are you? (gender, age, type of work)
Where do you live? (State, County)
What your opinion on colonias? (a few phrases, 3 or 4)
What your opinion on State, Federal or local actions on colonias? (a few phrases too)
Have you ever been to a colonias (if yes, where)?
email: mytousa_one@hotmail.com
These questions are only for my research and it is anonymous.
I thank by advance all of those who would take a little of their time for it.