New citizens and children of immigrants cast first ballots in 2026 midterms

Nicole Solis-Sison, 34, is casting her first ballot in New York City this week. She arrived in the United States from the Philippines at age seven after her family sought asylum. Solis-Sison became a U.S. citizen earlier this year after spending more than two decades in the immigration system. She told NPR that her experience gives her a sense of responsibility toward those still waiting for legal status.

Juan Escalante, 37, is voting in his first general election in California. He moved to the U.S. from Venezuela at age 11 and did not know he was undocumented until his junior year of high school. His parents hired a lawyer who mishandled their case, leaving Escalante out of the line for citizenship. He later qualified for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allowed him to graduate college. He became a citizen in 2025. Escalante said he researched every proposition on his mail-in ballot to ensure his vote reflected his values as an immigrant and a Latino.

Deisy España, 24, is a U.S.-born citizen from Wisconsin. Her parents are from Mexico and were undocumented when she was growing up. España said her mother recently obtained a green card, but fear remains in the family. She cited recent news about Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arresting people who look like her parents. España said she is voting for her parents, who cannot vote themselves.

Leydi Gonzalez, 23, is a citizen from Texas. Her parents are from El Salvador and have received authorization to remain in the U.S. after Gonzalez petitioned for them when she turned 21. Gonzalez said her family discussed who would care for her siblings if her parents were detained or deported. She is watching the U.S. Senate race in Texas closely, where Democrat James Talarico is polling ahead of Republican nominee Ken Paxton. Gonzalez said the stakes feel high because her community was recently affected by the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent.

These voters are part of a broader group of young people who view the 2026 midterms as a way to protect their families and shape their own futures. Solis-Sison created a personal voter guide to navigate the election. Escalante described the process as profoundly personal and emotional. España and Gonzalez both emphasized that their votes extend beyond their own interests to include their parents and extended family members.

The 2026 midterm election will determine the makeup of the U.S. Congress and various state offices. For these voters, the outcome could impact immigration policy and the legal status of their family members. Solis-Sison said she feels a weight to protect those getting left behind. Escalante said he is proud to be an American citizen and wants his vote to serve the greater good of his community.

Gonzalez said she is voting for her best interest, but it is bigger than that. She noted a sense of security for her family. España said she is voting for her parents more than ever. Solis-Sison said this is a milestone year for her as a first-time voter. Escalante said he never took the opportunity to vote for granted. These personal stories illustrate how immigration issues are driving voter motivation in the 2026 midterms.