Trump adopts softer DACA position

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday night he supports a pathway to citizenship for participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program “over a period of 10 to 12 years.” During an informal news conference at the White House, the president said, “I think it’s a nice thing to have the incentive of, after a period of years, being able to become a citizen.” The comments send a clear sign to lawmakers that the White House is willing to compromise on an immigration deal—a debate that shut down the government just a few days ago. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., quickly responded on Twitter that the president is moving in the right direction toward making a final deal. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a key Republican in the immigration negotiations, praised the president’s comments after criticizing the White House in recent weeks for moving the goal posts on the issue. “With this strong statement I have never felt better about our chances of finding a solution on immigration,” Graham tweeted.