New Citizens Vote for Immigrant Families
Four young voters across the U.S. cast ballots in the 2026 midterms, driven by personal histories of asylum, DACA, and mixed-status households.
By Yara Nasser ·
Nicole Solis-Sison, 34, cast her first ballot in New York City on Tuesday. She arrived in the United States from the Philippines at age seven after her family sought asylum. An immigration agent advised them to file for asylum after a previous attempt to deport them. Solis-Sison became a U.S. citizen earlier this year.
Juan Escalante, 37, voted in California for the first time as a citizen. He moved from Venezuela to South Florida at age 11 and discovered his undocumented status during high school. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program allowed him to graduate college. He became a citizen in 2025 after his parents mishandled his immigration case.
Deisy España, 24, resides in Wisconsin and votes as a U.S. citizen. Her parents are from Mexico and were undocumented when she was young. Her mother recently received a green card. España stated that she votes for her parents who cannot vote themselves. She noted that ICE enforcement remains a concern for mixed-status families.
Leydi Gonzalez, 23, lives in Texas and voted for her first time as a citizen. Both of her parents are from El Salvador. Gonzalez petitioned for their legal status after turning 21. Her parents now have work authorization and are awaiting residency approval. Gonzalez cited the recent killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Texas as raising the stakes for her family.
All four voters emphasized that their decisions extend beyond personal interests. Solis-Sison said she feels a responsibility to protect those still in the immigration system. Escalante described his vote as a service to his community and future. España said she carries the fear of her parents' past detention risks into the ballot box. Gonzalez said she seeks security for her siblings and parents.
The 2026 midterm elections include a competitive U.S. Senate race in Texas. Democrat James Talarico is polling ahead of Republican nominee Ken Paxton, according to Gonzalez. The race is part of a national contest that includes local and federal positions. These voters are participating in a general election that determines control of Congress and state legislatures.
Solis-Sison created a personal voter guide and diary for the election. Escalante researched every proposition and candidate on his large California mail-in ballot. España has been politically active since age 18. Gonzalez focused her research on candidates who support immigrant families. The four individuals represent a cohort of young voters with direct family ties to immigration enforcement.
