What is a Colonia?
Texas Secretary of State's Definition: The term "colonia," in Spanish means a community or neighborhood. The Office of the Secretary of State defines a "colonia" as a residential area along the Texas-Mexico border that may lack some of the most basic living necessities, such as potable water and sewer systems, electricity, paved roads, and safe and sanitary housing.
In recent years the Texas-Mexico border region has experienced an explosion of growth in population and industrial activity. Although growth has resulted in economic opportunities, it has also intensified the environmental health and social challenges.
Among the border states, Texas has the largest number of colonias approximately 1,800 communities, with more than 500,000 residents. Sixty-five percent of all residents, and 85% of residents under the age of 18, were born in the United States. (aka Anchor babies) These Americans live in extreme poverty and often are unaware of the services that the United States and Texas can provide for them. Ninety-eight percent of the residents are Hispanic and speak little or no English.
(see photos - http://www-apps.niehs.nih.gov/outreach-education/News/spotarch/spot0503.cfm)
Mexican suicide bombers? They don't need to do that, they are taking the safer route = colonization - with a pat on the back by our own government.