Key Highlights
- The U.S. government is revoking the legal status of more than 1,000 immigrants from Somalia.
- A Department of Homeland Security official said the Trump administration decided to terminate Somalia’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program.
- Nationals of Somalia enrolled in the TPS program are now set to lose their legal status and work permits on March 17, 2026.
- The move has sparked protests and clashes, particularly following the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
End of Legal Protections for Somalis
The U.S. government is taking a significant step in its immigration policies by ending legal protections for Somali immigrants, making them eligible for deportation. The decision was announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programs.
Termination of TPS Program
A DHS official stated that Somalia’s TPS program, which allows beneficiaries to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation, would be terminated. The decision affects approximately 2,500 Somali immigrants with TPS or pending applications. According to data from the federal government, as of December 8, 1,082 Somalis were enrolled in TPS, while another 1,383 had applied for the program.
Urgency and Timeline
The DHS has given those affected a deadline of March 17, 2026, to adjust their status or leave the country. The administration has urged TPS holders whose status will lapse to self-deport, warning that they will be found, arrested, and deported if they fail to do so.
Political Context
The decision to terminate the TPS program for Somalis is part of a larger strategy by the Trump administration. In December 2025, President Trump referred to people from Somalia as “garbage,” claiming they contribute nothing to society and that their country is not good enough. He stated, “I don’t want them in our country. I’ll be honest with you.” This rhetoric has been a consistent theme throughout his presidency.
Local Impact
The move has sparked significant local reactions, particularly in Minnesota, home to the largest community of Somali immigrants and Somali-Americans. The federal deployment of thousands of immigration agents to Minneapolis has led to clashes and protests, especially after the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer.
Background on TPS
Temporary Protected Status is a policy created in 1990 to offer temporary safe haven to foreigners from countries facing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or another emergency that makes their return unsafe. While the program has provided relief for many Somalis, it has also faced criticism as a magnet for illegal immigration and not aligned with national interests.
Reactions and Implications
The decision to end TPS for Somalis has been met with strong condemnation from pro-immigrant advocates who argue that these individuals have lived and worked in the U.S. for years, if not decades, contributing significantly to their communities. However, Trump administration officials maintain that the policy is temporary by nature, and the country’s interests take precedence over continued protection.
As the deadline looms, the Somali community and its supporters are preparing for what could be a turbulent period. The reaction from both local and national levels will undoubtedly shape future immigration policies and public opinion on this contentious issue.
