First-Time Voters From Immigrant Families Cast Ballots for Kin Left in Limbo

Voters who gained citizenship this year or grew up in households where relatives cannot cast a ballot say they are weighing family security as they fill out midterm ballots ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.

Nicole Solis-Sison, 34, arrived in Los Angeles at age 7 after her parents left the Philippines. An Immigration and Naturalization Services agent who interviewed the family suggested they file for asylum, and they remained in the United States. Solis-Sison completed the naturalization process earlier this year and will vote for the first time in New York City.

Juan Escalante moved from Venezuela to South Florida at 11 and learned in high school that his family's immigration case had been mishandled by an attorney, leaving him without legal status. He obtained protection under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, graduated from college, and became a U.S. citizen in 2025. At 37 and living in California, he requested a mail-in ballot and researched each candidate and proposition before returning it.

Deisy España, 24, was born in the United States to parents from Mexico who were undocumented when she was growing up. Her mother recently received a green card, but España said she still fears what could happen to her father. She voted in 2020 and said immigration policy drives how she approaches this election.

Leydi Gonzalez, 23, is a U.S. citizen whose parents are from El Salvador. She said she looked forward to turning 21 so she could petition for her parents, and their application is pending. Her family began discussing guardianship for her younger siblings during President Trump's first term, she said, after news of detentions and deportations.

España and Gonzalez both said they vote with their parents in mind. Gonzalez pointed to the killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas by an ICE agent as part of why she considers this election consequential for her community.

The Senate race in Texas is also drawing attention. Democrat James Talarico has led Republican nominee Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, in polling cited by Gonzalez.

Naturalization ceremonies and voter registration deadlines have been held across the country in the weeks before Nov. 3, and mail ballots in California and Texas were being returned as of Oct. 30.

Polls close on Nov. 3, and mail ballots in several states must be received by that date.