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.
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"The name is clear; temporary means temporary," she said, adding continuing to allow Somalis to stay now conflicts with U.S. national interests.
How Many Somalis Will Be Affected by This New Decision?
According to the Department of Homeland Security:
• Approximately 2,500 Somalis are currently benefiting from this status.
• Nearly 1,400 others are still awaiting decisions on their applications.
Most Somalis living in Minnesota are U.S. citizens, but this decision will specifically affect those who have not yet obtained citizenship or another permanent legal status.
What Will Happen Next?
After March 17, 2026, Somalis holding this temporary status will no longer have:
• The right to stay in the U.S.
• Work authorization
• Unless another legal status is granted, they may face deportation.
This decision comes as the U.S. strengthens its immigration policies, separating temporary immigrants from those holding permanent status. It is expected to spark legal and political debates, particularly among the communities most directly affected.
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