I am a student at Essex Street Academy and I just learned about what colonias are in my history class. I was shocked to learn that such extreme poverty still exists in America, today. Colonias are located along the U.S.-Mexico border, and today we learned about the colonias in southern Texas. Colonias are unincorporated subdivisions on what many consider worthless land. Because colonias are unincorporated, many human rights violations occur. An overwhelming majority of residents in colonias are Hispanic, with 85% of the residents under 18 being born in the United States. American children are living in squalid conditions and nobody seems to know or care. Because the land is so cheap, owners of these unincorporated subdivisions often exploit, or neglect the residents. Some of the problems facing those who live in colonias include: access to water and sewer services, unsafe housing, no access to medical care, unemployment and unfair contracts for deed.
Everyday, I see homeowners on the news who have just fallen into debt, or Americans who have just lost their jobs. We, as Americans, seem to be very aware of the slow economy. We have sympathy for those who may have lost their new homes, or nice jobs. However, we do not seem to notice those who have lived in poverty for several decades now. People living in colonias should be first on the American agenda. These are third world living conditions and ignoring their existence will not make these conditions disappear.
I am writing to you because I believe that legislation should be introduced to help improve the living conditions in colonias. These subdivisions should not be unincorporated and private owners should not be allowed to charge high interest rates on land. In addition, public hospitals should be built in the areas surrounding colonias and public transportation should service colonias so people without cars and look for work.
I hope you take my suggestions into consideration and I look forward to hearing your response.
Sincerely,
Your Name
I am writing to you because I believe that legislation should be introduced to help improve the living conditions in colonias. These subdivisions should not be unincorporated and private owners should not be allowed to charge high interest rates on land. In addition, public hospitals should be built in the areas surrounding colonias and public transportation should service colonias so people without cars and look for work.
I hope you take my suggestions into consideration and I look forward to hearing your response.
Sincerely,
Your Name
