- The US government has withdrawn TPS protection for Somali citizens
- Affected individuals must leave the country by March 17, 2026
- Officials say Somalia no longer meets the threshold for protection
- Thousands of Somali families across the US could be affected
The administration of President Donald Trump has announced the removal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals living in the United States.
The decision means Somali citizens who relied on the program will lose legal protection unless they qualify under another immigration pathway.
Under the new directive, affected individuals have until March 17, 2026, to leave the country or secure a different legal status that allows them to remain in the US.
Those who fail to meet the deadline may face removal proceedings once the protection expires.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the situation in Somalia has improved and no longer justifies continued protection under TPS.
She stated that the program is designed to offer short-term relief and should not be treated as a permanent solution.
The Department of Homeland Security did not provide detailed reports to support claims of improved conditions.
Somalia continues to face political uncertainty and security threats, including attacks by armed groups, raising concerns among rights groups.
Official immigration data shows that more than 2,400 Somali nationals currently hold TPS, while over 1,300 applications are still awaiting decisions.
Many of those impacted live in states such as Minnesota, home to one of the largest Somali communities in the US.
City leaders in Minneapolis and St. Paul have already moved to challenge the decision in court, arguing it unfairly affects immigrant communities.
Human rights groups warn the policy could separate families and put returnees at risk if sent back to unsafe conditions.
TPS for Somali nationals dates back to 1991, following the outbreak of civil war in the country.
The status has been renewed multiple times by different administrations over the years due to ongoing instability.
The move fits into a broader immigration approach by the Trump administration, which has scaled back protections for several countries.
Changes to asylum rules and stricter enforcement have been key features of this policy direction.
Somali nationals under TPS are encouraged to seek other legal options, including asylum or visa programs, before the deadline.
Immigration experts warn that time is limited and early action will be critical for those hoping to remain in the United States.
