Noem asserted in a statement that "temporary means temporary," and allowing Somali nationals to remain in the U.S. was "contrary to our national interests." She added, "We are putting Americans first." The announcement came as the Trump administration also signaled its intention to revoke the U.S. citizenship of naturalized immigrants, including those from Somalia, convicted of fraud.

TPS is a designation granted to foreign nationals in the U.S. whose home countries are experiencing conditions that prevent their safe return, such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. The designation provides recipients with work authorization and protection from deportation.

Critics condemned the decision to terminate TPS for Somalis, characterizing it as a bigoted attack. They argued that Somalia continues to face significant challenges, including ongoing conflict, drought, and food insecurity, making it unsafe for many to return.

The decision to end TPS for Somalis adds to a series of similar actions taken by the Trump administration affecting nationals from other countries, including El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Sudan. These decisions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and immigration advocates, who argue that they disregard the humanitarian needs of affected populations.

The two-month period granted to Somalis to leave the U.S. raises concerns about the potential for mass deportations and the impact on Somali communities in the United States. The future for those affected remains uncertain, as they face the prospect of returning to a country still grappling with instability or seeking alternative legal pathways to remain in the U.S.