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

TPS is a designation granted to foreign nationals in the U.S. who are unable to return safely to their home country due to conditions such as ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. The designation allows beneficiaries to live and work legally in the U.S. for a designated period.

The Trump administration's decision to terminate TPS for Somalis drew criticism from advocacy groups and some lawmakers. Critics condemned the move as a heartless and bigoted attack on vulnerable populations. They argued that conditions in Somalia remain unstable and dangerous, making it unsafe for Somalis to return.

The decision comes as the Trump administration has taken steps to revoke the citizenship of naturalized immigrants convicted of fraud, including those from Somalia. This policy has raised concerns about due process and the potential for discrimination.

The termination of TPS for Somalis is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to end the program for several countries. The administration has argued that conditions in these countries have improved sufficiently to allow beneficiaries to return. However, critics contend that the administration is ignoring the realities on the ground and putting vulnerable populations at risk. The future for Somalis currently in the U.S. remains uncertain as they face the prospect of deportation.