Messer, Rokita Dodge On DACA Path To Citizenship

Brandon Smith

Article origination IPBS-RJC

Indiana U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senate candidates - Luke Messer and Todd Rokita won’t say for sure whether they’ll support a path to citizenship for DACA recipients.

DACA is a federal program that shields undocumented immigrants who came to the U-S as children. About 10,000 Hoosiers are enrolled.

President Donald Trump says he supports a path to citizenship for DACA recipients, over a period of around a decade.

Rep. Messer (R-Shelbyville) says the focus in immigration negotiations needs to be border security.

“There’s no clearer promise of this president than his promise to build the wall,” Messer says.

When asked specifically about a path to citizenship, Messer avoids specifics.

“Look, I’m not going to handcuff the president in his negotiations,” Messer says. “We’ll look and see what proposal comes forward.”

In a statement, Rep. Rokita (R-Brownsburg) says he supports immigration reform that includes building a wall on the southern border, ending the country’s visa lottery program, and putting a stop to family reunification.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

State utility regulators approve agreement to provide lower rate hikes for AES Indiana

A major Indiana utility's rates will not increase as much as originally requested following a settlement agreement Wednesday. The uncontested settlement agreement has been in the works since late last year.

Public Affairs / April 17, 2024

Indiana tax collections still ahead this fiscal year despite missing the mark in March

Indiana tax revenues are ahead of where the state budget needs them to be heading into the final three months of the budget cycle despite collections in March that failed to meet expectations.

Public Affairs / April 17, 2024

Indiana receives over $3 million to reclaim abandoned coal mines

Indiana is expected to receive more than $3 million in funding to reclaim abandoned coal mines in the state. The money comes from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's Reclaiming Abandoned Mine Lands program.