New citizens and mixed-status families prioritize family protection in 2026 midterms

New York resident Nicole Solis-Sison arrived in the United States at age seven while her family sought asylum from the Philippine government. After an immigration agent suggested they file for asylum, the family remained in the country. Solis-Sison, now 34, became a U.S. citizen earlier this year and will cast her first ballot in the 2026 midterm elections. She stated that her experience navigating the system for over two decades informs her vote and creates a responsibility to protect those still in the process.

Juan Escalante, 37, moved from Venezuela to Florida at age 11. He discovered his undocumented status during high school after his parents mishandled their immigration case. Escalante later qualified for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which allowed him to graduate college. He became a citizen in 2025. As a California resident, he received a mail-in ballot and researched every proposition. He said his vote is designed to support his parents, who hold green cards, and to reflect his values as a Latino and an immigrant.

Deisy España, 24, is a U.S.-born citizen in Wisconsin whose parents are from Mexico. Both parents were undocumented for years until her mother recently obtained a green card. España recalled her mother praying during police stops due to fear of being turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. España said she is voting for her parents, who cannot vote themselves, especially given the current political climate and recent ICE enforcement actions.

Leydi Gonzalez, 23, is a citizen in Texas with parents from El Salvador. She turned 21 and immediately petitioned her parents for legal status. They now have authorization to be 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 cited the recent death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an ICE agent in Texas as a factor in the high stakes of this election.

Gonzalez noted that a high-profile U.S. Senate race is taking place in Texas. Democrat James Talarico is polling ahead of Republican nominee Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General. Gonzalez said she is voting for her family's security and her own best interest. For these voters, the election is a direct mechanism to influence immigration policy and protect mixed-status households.