Voices of Newly Naturalized Citizens in the U.S.

Nicole Solis-Sison moved to America at seven years old. Her family fled the Philippine government, seeking asylum in the U.S. Initially, they thought their stay in Los Angeles would be temporary, but circumstances changed. “The Philippine government pursued us in international immigration territory and demanded that we be sent back,” she shared with NPR. An agent from the Immigration and Naturalization Services agency, now known as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), visited their home. Despite the threat of deportation, this agent suggested they file for asylum while on U.S. soil. Following the agent’s advice allowed Solis-Sison’s family to remain legally.

This year, after navigating the complex immigration system for over two decades, Solis-Sison became an American citizen. Now, at 34, she votes for the first time in New York City. “This is such a milestone for me,” she expressed, adding that she created her own voter guide and election diary in preparation.

Many young voters, like Solis-Sison, worry about their future. Will they be able to purchase a home? How will they pay off student loans? For some young people with immigrant families and newly naturalized citizens, this election holds unique meaning. Solis-Sison feels lucky, and her immigrant experience shapes her vote. She sees it as a responsibility. “I feel like I have a weight to protect those who are going through this process,” she said.

Juan Escalante’s Journey

Juan Escalante, originally from Venezuela, relocated to Florida at age 11. He lived a normal life until discovering his undocumented status in his high school junior year. “My parents paid for a lawyer who mishandled our immigration case,” he recounted, explaining that missteps no longer allowed them to refile.

Under the Obama administration, Escalante’s immigration status changed with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. It paved the way for him to graduate college as the first in his family. Then, in 2025, he became the first U.S. citizen in his family. This year, he votes in his first general election, marking a personal and emotional milestone in understanding voting power.

Receiving his mail-in ballot was overwhelming due to its size, yet this did not deter him from researching every ballot proposition and candidate. “Despite having to fill in many bubbles, I never took it for granted,” he said.

Immigrant Families and the Election

Deisy España, 24, from Wisconsin, carries the weight of her family’s immigrant history. Born a U.S. citizen, her parents are from Mexico and were undocumented as she grew up. “I never understood the fear when my parents got pulled over by police until I got older,” she said. Her mom recently obtained a green card, but ICE news under Trump fuels ongoing fear. “Every ICE-related death or detention has me thinking, ‘That could have been my dad,'” she remarked.

España’s message to young voters with immigrant families: vote not just for yourself but for your parents. “I’m voting for my parents who can’t vote,” she asserted.

Similarly, Leydi Gonzalez, 23, from Texas, is determined to help her El Salvadorian parents gain legal status. “When I turned 21, my excitement was to petition my parents, not drinking,” she shared. Though she sponsored their authorization to be in the U.S., ongoing worries persist.

These families endure the potential threat of deportation. Conversations on who takes care of siblings in case of detainment are scary but necessary. “We started these discussions under Trump’s presidency, and stakes are still high,” Gonzalez explained.

Voting holds significance beyond personal interests. “It feels like I’m voting for my family’s security,” Gonzalez said, anticipating possible changes in Congress affecting her community.