First-time voters: Immigrant histories shape 2026 midterms

Nicole Solis-Sison, 34, will cast her first ballot in New York City on Tuesday. She became a U.S. citizen earlier this year after arriving in Los Angeles from the Philippines at age seven. Her family originally sought asylum after the Philippine government demanded their return. An Immigration and Naturalization Services agent recommended they file for asylum while on U.S. soil. Solis-Sison created a personal voter guide and diary for this election. She said she feels a responsibility to protect others currently going through the immigration process.

Juan Escalante, 37, is voting for the first time in California. He grew up in South Florida and moved to the U.S. from Venezuela at age 11. He discovered his undocumented status during his junior year of high school after his parents mishandled their immigration case. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program later provided him legal status. He graduated college and became a citizen in 2025. Escalante said he researched every ballot proposition and candidate carefully. He noted that his parents, both green card holders, still worry about their future status. He wants his vote to reflect his values as an immigrant and a Latino.

Deisy España, 24, is a U.S. citizen born in Wisconsin. Her parents are from Mexico and were undocumented while she grew up. Her mother recently received a green card. España said she is voting for her parents who cannot vote. She expressed concern about ICE enforcement under President Trump. She cited the frequent news of ICE arrests and deaths as factors in her decision. She said the fear in her family has not fully dissipated despite her mother's new status.

Leydi Gonzalez, 23, is a Texas resident and U.S. citizen. Her parents are from El Salvador. She reached age 21 in order to petition for their legal status. Her parents now have authorization to remain in the U.S. and are awaiting residency approval. Gonzalez said her family discussed who would care for her siblings if her parents were detained. She noted the recent killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Texas. She is voting in a high-profile Senate race where Democrat James Talarico is polling ahead of Republican nominee Ken Paxton. Gonzalez said she feels a sense of security for her family through her vote.