Noem asserted in a statement that "temporary means temporary," and that allowing Somali nationals to remain in the U.S. was "contrary to our national interests." She added, "We are putting Americans first." The decision affects hundreds of Somalis who were previously granted TPS due to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in their home country.

Temporary Protected Status is a program that allows foreign nationals from designated countries facing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions to live and work in the United States for a specified period. The designation provides protection from deportation and allows recipients to obtain work permits. The Trump administration has been systematically reviewing and terminating TPS designations for several countries, arguing that conditions have improved sufficiently to allow for safe return.

Critics of the decision condemned it as a bigoted attack, particularly in light of statements made by Donald Trump suggesting his administration would revoke the U.S. citizenship of naturalized immigrants convicted of fraud. These critics argue that the administration's actions are driven by anti-immigrant sentiment rather than objective assessments of conditions in Somalia.

The decision to terminate TPS for Somalis follows similar actions taken by the Trump administration regarding other countries, including El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Sudan. These decisions have faced legal challenges and widespread criticism from human rights organizations and immigration advocates. The future for affected Somalis remains uncertain, with options including returning to Somalia, seeking asylum in the U.S., or facing deportation. The administration's actions continue to fuel debate over immigration policy and the role of the United States in providing humanitarian protection.