New Citizens Cast First Ballots
Three young Americans describe how their family immigration histories shape their 2026 midterm choices.
By Adriana Abebe ·
The 2026 midterm election brings new voters to the polls who view their ballots as a tool to protect family members who cannot vote.
Nicole Solis-Sison arrived in the United States at age seven with her parents, who were fleeing the Philippine government. An INS agent at her Los Angeles home suggested the family file for asylum. After more than two decades in the immigration system, she became a U.S. citizen in early 2026. Now 34, she is voting for the first time in New York City. She said she feels a responsibility to protect those still navigating the process.
Juan Escalante moved from Venezuela to Florida at age 11. He did not know he was undocumented until his junior year of high school. A lawyer mishandled his parents' case, leaving the family out of the standard queue. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program later secured his status. He became the first American citizen in his family in 2025. Now 37, he is voting in his first general election in California. He said he researched every ballot proposition to ensure his values as an immigrant and Latino were reflected.
Deisy España, 24, was born in Wisconsin to undocumented parents from Mexico. Her mother recently obtained a green card, but España said the fear of ICE detention remains. She has been politically active since turning 18 in 2020. She said she is voting for her parents because they cannot vote themselves.
Leydi Gonzalez, 23, is a U.S. citizen from Texas. Both of her parents are from El Salvador. She petitioned for their legal status when she turned 21. They currently have authorization to remain in the U.S. while waiting for residency approval. Gonzalez said her family discussed who would care for her siblings if her parents were detained. She cited the recent killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Texas as raising the stakes for her community.
Gonzalez is watching the Texas Senate race, where Democrat James Talarico is polling ahead of Republican nominee Ken Paxton. She said she is voting for her own best interest and for a sense of security for her family.
