TPS shields migrants from deportation to countries deemed unsafe and grants temporary work authorization. Noem stated that conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the legal requirements for TPS designation. The decision comes amid increased scrutiny of immigration policies and enforcement actions targeting the Somali community in the U.S.
The move has sparked concern among Somali advocacy groups and human rights organizations, who argue that Somalia continues to face significant challenges, including ongoing conflict, political instability, and the threat of terrorism. They contend that returning individuals to Somalia would expose them to undue hardship and danger. Demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have already taken place, such as the one in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 8, 2025, reflecting growing anxieties within the Somali community.
The TPS program was established by Congress in 1990 to provide temporary refuge to foreign nationals in the U.S. who are unable to return to their home countries due to natural disasters, armed conflict, or other extraordinary circumstances. Somalia was initially designated for TPS in 1991, and the designation has been repeatedly extended over the years.
Minnesota has already filed suit against the Trump administration over immigration crackdowns. The White House is also reportedly looking at denaturalizing Somali Americans for alleged fraud.
The exact number of Somalis affected by the termination of TPS is not immediately clear, but estimates suggest that thousands of individuals could face deportation. The Department of Homeland Security has not yet announced a specific timeline for the termination of TPS for Somalia, but it is expected to provide a grace period to allow affected individuals to prepare for their departure or seek alternative legal status in the U.S. The decision is likely to face legal challenges, and the future of TPS for Somalis in the U.S. remains uncertain.
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