U.S. Ends Deportation Protection for Somalis
The Trump administration has officially announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals residing in the United States. The directive, issued on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), sets an effective deadline of March 17, 2026, after which affected individuals will lose their legal status and work permits, making them eligible for deportation.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the decision, stating that conditions in Somalia had 'improved sufficiently' and that Somalis no longer qualified for the designation under federal law. Noem emphasized that 'Temporary means temporary' and that allowing Somali nationals to remain was 'contrary to our national interests,' adding, 'We are putting Americans first.' The administration's notice suggested that returning Somalis could elect to live in safer parts of the country, such as Somaliland.
Impacted Population and Program History
The termination is expected to affect a significant number of Somalis. Official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data from August 2025 indicated 705 Somali nationals holding TPS. However, other sources suggest that approximately 1,100 Somalis currently hold TPS, with an additional 1,400 having pending applications, bringing the total number of individuals expected to be affected to around 2,500.
Temporary Protected Status was first granted to Somalis in 1991 by the administration of George H.W. Bush amidst the country's civil war. The program allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in the U.S. if their home countries face armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that make safe return impossible. The status has been renewed repeatedly by successive administrations, most recently by Joe Biden in September 2024, extending it through March 2026.
Contrasting Views and Community Reaction
Despite the administration's assertion of improved conditions, Somalia continues to grapple with persistent violence from al-Shabaab militants, severe drought, and widespread humanitarian crises that have displaced millions. Human rights organizations have voiced concerns that returning Somali nationals could expose them to severe risks.
The decision follows earlier statements by President Trump in November 2025, where he indicated an intention to end protections for Somali nationals. He made remarks on Truth Social regarding 'Somali gangs terrorizing' Minnesota and 'BILLIONS of Dollars are missing,' stating, 'Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!' President Trump has also referred to people from Somalia as 'garbage' and claimed they 'contribute nothing.' The administration has particularly focused on Minnesota, which hosts a large Somali community, citing allegations of fraud.
The termination is anticipated to face legal challenges. Critics, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), have condemned the move as a 'bigoted attack' that risks sending Somalis back to an unstable nation. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions and protests in Minneapolis following an incident involving a federal immigration agent. Officials in Minnesota have also filed a lawsuit against the administration regarding immigration operations.
5 Comments
Fuerza
While TPS is inherently temporary, the reports of ongoing violence and drought in Somalia suggest that 'improved sufficiently' might be an overstatement. There's a real humanitarian dilemma here.
Manolo Noriega
On one hand, rules are rules and TPS was extended for a long time. However, forcing people who have established lives here for decades back to a country still facing active conflict raises serious ethical questions about our responsibilities.
Fuerza
While some might argue that Somaliland offers a safer alternative, it's not the home country for all TPS holders and still presents significant challenges. The administration needs to provide more concrete evidence of widespread safety before removal.
Ongania
Somalia is stable enough now. They need to go home and rebuild their own country.
Fuerza
It's true that TPS was never meant to be permanent residency, but the abrupt termination without a clear, safe path for these individuals is deeply concerning. We need a more humane transition plan.