Thousands of Somalis Face Deportation After U.S. Terminates Immigration Program

United States, 14 January 2026 – The U.S. government has announced that it is ending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which had benefited thousands of Somali citizens living in the U.S., notifying them that they must leave the country by March 17, 2026.

The decision, made public by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, directly affects Somalis who have lived in the U.S. for extended periods and relied on this status to legally reside and work in the country.

What is Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status is a legal program that the U.S. grants to citizens of countries experiencing war, natural disasters, or unsafe conditions that make it dangerous to return. This law does not grant citizenship or permanent residency but allows:

• Temporary residence in the U.S.

• Work authorization

• Protection from deportation for the duration of the TPS program.

When Did Somalis Receive This Status?

This program was first granted to Somalis in September 1991, at the time of the collapse of the Somali government and the civil wars. Since then, the U.S. has repeatedly extended the duration of the program, citing the security situation in Somalia.

The former Democratic administration under President Joe Biden extended the program until March 17, 2026.

Why Is It Being Terminated?

Kristi Noem, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, stated that after an assessment, it was determined that the situation in Somalia has “improved from its previous state,” and that Somali citizens no longer meet the criteria for this status.