Gov. Holcomb Defers To Congress On DACA Action

Gov. Eric Holcomb isn’t saying if Indiana will take any action around Hoosiers with DACA status, given to undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

About 10,000 people in Indiana have that status, out of 800,000 nationwide. But President Donald Trump said this week the program will end and that status will be revoked in six months without Congressional intervention.

Speaking to reporters, Holcomb wouldn’t say whether he supported Trump’s move. He says he believes Congress can find a permanent solution for the issue, and he’s glad to hear Indiana’s Congressional delegation wants to be part of that process.

“I’m hopeful that they can come to a resolution that balances compassion and common sense, and do it Constitutionally,” Holcomb says.

DACA recipients can get drivers’ licenses or work permits, or enroll in school. About 200 attend Indiana University, where officials say they’ll shield students’ immigration statuses from the government except under subpoena.

IU president Michael McRobbie has urged Congress to permanently codify DACA.

Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Lauren Chapman contributed reporting to this story.