Somalia initially received TPS designation in 1991 because of armed conflict and state collapse. The protection has been extended multiple times throughout the past thirty years by various administrations.
The United States has declared it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals living in the US, requiring those impacted to depart or obtain legal immigration status before March 17, 2026.
The Department of Homeland Security made this announcement after reviewing the program and the situation in Somalia.
TPS permits foreign individuals to legally reside and work in the United States when their home countries encounter circumstances that render returning unsafe.
Somalia was first granted TPS in 1991 due to armed conflict and state collapse. The protection has been continued repeatedly over the last three decades by consecutive administrations.
According to the recent announcement, Somali nationals dependent exclusively on TPS will lose deportation protection once the designation concludes unless they qualify for alternative immigration status. This encompasses work authorization, which is directly linked to the TPS program.
Government officials stated that those affected have sufficient time to prepare arrangements and consider legal alternatives.
Homeland Security explained that the decision aligns with the temporary nature of the program and results from an internal evaluation of whether Somalia still satisfies the legal criteria necessary for TPS designation. It noted that the legislation does not permit the program to continue indefinitely and mandates regular reviews.
“Temporary Protected Status was never intended to be permanent,” stated a DHS spokesperson. “The law compels us to reassess conditions and take action when the statutory requirements are no longer fulfilled.”
Approximately 2,471 Somali nationals currently possess TPS in the United States, with many residing in states including Minnesota, Ohio, Washington, and California.
Numerous individuals have resided in the country for years, established families, and contributed to local economies. Some TPS recipients arrived as children and have spent the majority of their lives in the United States.
Immigrant advocacy groups and community leaders have voiced concerns regarding the decision, maintaining that Somalia continues to confront significant security and humanitarian challenges.
They indicate that ongoing conflict, displacement, and limited state services make returning problematic for many individuals. These groups have requested that the government reconsider the decision or offer alternative protections.
Legal experts point out that TPS does not offer a direct route to permanent residency, yet some recipients may qualify for other forms of legal status. These consist of family-based immigration, employment-based visas, asylum, or other humanitarian protections. However, they caution that accessing these options can be complicated and lengthy.
Community organizations in regions with substantial Somali populations have started developing legal assistance programs to assist affected individuals in understanding their alternatives. Certain local officials have also appealed to Congress to enact immigration reforms that would provide long-term solutions for TPS beneficiaries who have resided in the US for many years.
The conclusion to terminate TPS for Somali nationals occurs during broader shifts in US immigration policy, including initiatives to reduce the number of individuals eligible for temporary humanitarian programs.
President Donald Trump’s administration has emphasized enforcement of existing immigration laws and a return to what it characterizes as the original purpose of temporary protections.
