Noem said in a statement that "temporary means temporary," and allowing Somali nationals to remain was "contrary to our national interests." She added, "We are putting Americans first." The decision impacts hundreds of Somalis currently residing in the U.S. under TPS.

TPS is a program that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States temporarily if conditions in their home country prevent them from returning safely. These conditions can include armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances. The designation provides protection from deportation and allows recipients to obtain work permits.

The Trump administration's decision to terminate TPS for Somalis has drawn criticism from advocacy groups and some lawmakers, who argue that Somalia remains unsafe due to ongoing conflict and instability. Critics have condemned the move as a bigoted attack, especially in light of the administration's stated intention to revoke the citizenship of naturalized immigrants convicted of fraud.

The decision comes amid a broader effort by the Trump administration to end TPS for several countries, including El Salvador, Haiti, and Nicaragua. These decisions have been met with legal challenges, with some courts issuing injunctions to block the terminations. The administration maintains that conditions in these countries have improved sufficiently to warrant the end of TPS.

The future for Somalis affected by this decision remains uncertain. They face the prospect of returning to a country still grappling with significant challenges or remaining in the U.S. without legal status, risking deportation. The administration's actions are likely to face further legal challenges, and the issue could become a focal point in ongoing debates about immigration policy.