As we say goodbye to 2025, we must acknowledge that it has been a very

difficult year for asylum-seekers. Mass deportations, invasions of long-time

workplaces where immigrants not only thrive but help their communities do

so, random sweeps of those in cars, stopped at a light or riding a bike. The

fear has been palpable and terrifying for immigrant communities, with

family separations again at the forefront.

Grannies Respond stood firm in its mission and resolve to support and

advocate for asylum-seekers in all the ways we could: securing legal

assistance, holding Know Your Rights events, filing asylum and work-permit

papers, providing assistance with clothing, housing, finding work, 

health care, education, general well-being.

Volunteers continued to give their all in so many areas and fought for the

rights of asylum-seekers. Grannies Respond remains part of the beautiful

web of helpers across this country, and we will continue to ensure safety

and dignity for those we serve.

We would like to announce a new group in Grannies Respond for 2026!

Team Brownsville, whom many of you know, will be closing its corporation

and will adopt a new moniker, Madrinas de Justicia (Godmothers of

Justice), and will become a Grannies Respond group. They were part of

our origin story when we first went to the Rio Grande Valley in 2018 and

were a great impetus for our beginning.

 We now welcome them to Grannies Respond with open arms!

If you need some ideas or encouragement about how you can help

organize where you are, and in these troubled times, please reach me at

catherine@granniesrespond.org. There is always something you can do!

With much gratitude and wishes for peace and more humanity in 2026,

Catherine Cole

Executive Director

And the Board of Grannies Respond

Know Your Rights Resources

Click here for essential informational resources for Asylum Seekers