First-time voters weigh family immigration stakes

Nicole Solis-Sison cast her first ballot in New York City this year. The 34-year-old became a U.S. citizen in early 2026 after moving to the country from the Philippines at age seven. Her family originally sought asylum after the Philippine government demanded they return to Manila. An agent from the Immigration and Naturalization Services suggested they file for asylum while on U.S. soil.

Solis-Sison described the process as a journey spanning more than two decades. She created a personal voter guide and diary to navigate the election. She feels a duty to protect other individuals currently navigating the immigration system.

"I feel like I do have a weight to protect people who are going through this process, who are getting left behind and harmed," Solis-Sison said.

Juan Escalante, 37, also voted in his first general election this year. He moved from Venezuela to South Florida at age 11. He discovered he was undocumented during his junior year of high school after a lawyer mishandled his family's immigration case. He gained legal status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and became a citizen in 2025.

Escalante, a California resident, researched every proposition on his mail-in ballot. He noted that his parents hold green cards but still worry about their future status. He aimed to ensure his vote reflected his values as an immigrant and a Latino.

"I'm proud to be an American citizen," Escalante said.

Deisy España, 24, of Wisconsin, is a U.S. citizen with undocumented parents from Mexico. She recalled her mother praying during police traffic stops due to the fear of being turned over to ICE. Her mother recently obtained a green card, but España said the fear persists. ICE arrests and related deaths in the news remind her that her parents could be next.

"That could have been my dad," España said. She said she is voting on behalf of her parents because they cannot vote. She believes the stakes are higher in this election due to the administration's hardline stance on immigration.

Leydi Gonzalez, 23, of Texas, is a U.S. citizen with parents from El Salvador. She petitioned for her parents' legal status when she turned 21. They currently 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 or deported.

Gonzalez is watching a competitive U.S. Senate race in Texas. Democrat James Talarico is polling ahead of Republican nominee Ken Paxton in the state. She said she is voting for her family's security and believes the election could bring change to immigration policy.