First-Time Voters with Immigrant Roots Cite Family Duty in Midterm

Nicole Solis-Sison, 34, arrived in the United States from the Philippines at age seven to seek asylum. After more than two decades in the country, she became a citizen earlier this year. She is now casting her first ballot in New York City. She described the process as a milestone and created her own voter guide to navigate the choices.

Solis-Sison said she feels a weight of responsibility to protect others currently in the immigration system. She noted that she survived the initial process with only a sliver of hope. Her experience informs her vote as she looks to support those who are getting left behind.

Juan Escalante, 37, moved from Venezuela to Florida at age 11. He discovered he was undocumented during his junior year of high school after his parents hired a lawyer who mishandled their case. He later gained status through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allowed him to graduate college. He became the first citizen in his family in 2025.

Escalante is a California resident who received a mail-in ballot for this election. He said the size of the ballot was overwhelming, but he researched every proposition and candidate. He wants his vote to reflect his values as an immigrant and a Latino. His parents are green card holders, but they still worry about their future status.

Deisy España, 24, was born in the U.S. and is a citizen. Her parents from Mexico were undocumented while she was growing up. She recalled watching her mother pray during traffic stops due to fear of being turned over to immigration agents. Her mother recently obtained a green card, but España said the fear has not completely dissipated.

España said she is voting for her parents who cannot vote. She noted that immigration policy is a top priority for her, especially with President Trump's hardline stance on immigration. She has been politically active since she turned 18 in 2020. She sees the current election as a moment where more feels at risk.

Leydi Gonzalez, 23, is a citizen in Texas. Both of her parents are from El Salvador. She petitioned for their legal status after turning 21. They currently have authorization to be in the U.S. and are waiting for residency approval. Her family discussed who would care for her siblings if her parents were detained.

Gonzalez said the stakes feel higher this year following the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas by an ICE agent. She is voting in a high profile U.S. Senate race where Democrat James Talarico is polling ahead of Republican nominee Ken Paxton. She stated that her vote is for the security of her family.