I traveled to Pharr, a city in Texas, where stark income disparities make it one of the poorest places in the US. The city's average income is only about half of what you'd find in Los Angeles, and roughly half of Pharr's residents live in poverty.

The signs of economic hardship are clear, with abandoned houses scattered throughout the city, highlighting the tough times many face.

Pharr's location along the US-Mexico border adds another layer of complexity. The city deals with illegal immigration from Mexico. Border guards closely watch the border river, trying to stop people from crossing, whether by boat or even swimming. But there's a darker side to this story — Mexican cartels use bribery to control local police and border guards, allowing immigrants to enter the US in exchange for a hefty fee. The cartels profit greatly from this operation.

In my exploration, I sought the perspectives of Pharr's residents about the influx of undocumented individuals and related illegal activities. The result was… Unexpected and eye-opening.

Join me on this revealing journey to Pharr, Texas, where economic disparities and cartel influence shape daily life. And be sure to subscribe to the channel for more captivating travel stories and insights.

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WHO AM I? My name is Shota and I'm a traveler and van conversion enthusiast. When I was 19, I left Japan and spent nine years exploring different countries and immersing myself in diverse cultures. In the past three years, I've been sharing my adventures in Japan through my YouTube channel, showcasing the lesser-known sides of the country and vanlife travel experience. When I'm not busy converting vans and ex-Japanese police buses into campervans, I'm back on the road, traveling the world and sharing my journey with others. My ultimate goal is to inspire others to embrace the diversity and vastness of the world around them.

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