First-Time Voters Cite Family Immigration Status in Midterm Decisions

Nicole Solis-Sison is 34 years old and voting for the first time in New York City. She moved to the United States from the Philippines when she was seven. Her family sought asylum after the Philippine government pursued them internationally and demanded their return. An Immigration and Naturalization Services agent visited their home in Los Angeles and advised them to file for asylum because they were on U.S. soil. Solis-Sison became a citizen earlier this year after spending more than two decades in the immigration system. She created a personal voter guide and diary for this election. She said she feels a responsibility to protect others who are currently navigating the process.

Juan Escalante is 37 and a California resident. He moved to the United States from Venezuela at age 11. He learned he was undocumented during his junior year of high school after his parents hired a lawyer who mishandled their case. He gained status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. That status allowed him to become the first person in his family to graduate college. He became a citizen in 2025. Escalante said receiving his mail-in ballot was an emotional experience. He researched every proposition and candidate on the long California ballot. He said he wants his vote to support his family and community, noting that his parents hold green cards but still worry about their future status.

Deisy España is 24 and lives in Wisconsin. She was born in the United States, making her a citizen, but both of her parents are from Mexico and were undocumented when she was growing up. She recalled her mother praying during traffic stops, a fear she understood only later when she realized her parents worried about being turned over to ICE. Her mother recently obtained a green card. España said she is voting for her parents, who cannot vote themselves. She said the hardline stance on immigration under the current administration has increased the stakes for her family.

Leydi Gonzalez is 23 and lives in Texas. She is a U.S. citizen, while her parents are from El Salvador. When she turned 21, she petitioned her parents for legal status. They now have authorization to stay in the U.S. and are waiting for residency approval. Gonzalez said her family discussed who would care for her siblings if her parents were detained. That conversation became more urgent after the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Texas. Gonzalez is watching the U.S. Senate race in her state, where Democrat James Talarico is polling ahead of Republican nominee Ken Paxton. She said she is voting for the security of her family.