Trump promises to end TPS for Somalis in Minnesota — but with 72% already citizens, is it too late?

Somali Migration to the U.S. and Trump’s New Policies

Since the collapse of Somalia’s central government in the 1990s, a significant number of Somalis have relocated to the United States, with Minnesota becoming a prominent destination for refugees. Nowadays, this state boasts the largest Somali community in the country.

As Somalis are largely Muslim, there is a certain apprehension among some conservatives about their growing presence. They argue that this trend represents a phase of “Islamization,” suggesting a cultural and demographic shift influenced by Islamist elements. Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, has heightened these concerns, often articulating pro-Somali sentiments and advocating policies that some perceive as favorable to Islamism.

Recently, President Trump stirred up controversy by announcing the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which has enabled many Somalis to stay in the U.S. for extended periods. He pointed to allegations regarding “illicit money laundering” linked to Somali groups and the existence of “Somali gangs.”

Sarah Gonzalez, the host of “Sarah Gonzalez Unfiltered,” expressed enthusiasm for Trump’s initiative, although she noted that many Somalis have already become U.S. citizens—72 percent, in fact—suggesting a need for faster reforms.

“We need to overhaul how people are allowed to settle here. There are individuals, like Ilhan Omar, who have navigated this process and have reached such prominence that they seem to disregard the opportunities this country provides,” Gonzalez stated.

In a recent response to Trump’s remarks, Omar asserted that Somalis are “the backbone of this country” and made it clear that they have no intentions of leaving.

“It’s quite brazen to claim that while you show no interest in assimilating,” Gonzalez retorted. She referenced how areas in Michigan and Minnesota resemble Tehran, questioning the coherence of such claims.

Gonzalez then showcased a video clip of a Somali police officer in Minnesota communicating in Somali, asserting the officer’s allegiance to “their own people” rather than the broader community.

“How can you assert you’re the backbone of our nation, yet maintain such separateness that only those from Somalia can represent you?” she posed rhetorically. “Both of these positions can’t coexist.”

She further highlighted concerns regarding whether these officers will enforce laws uniformly, given their allegiance to the Somali community.

In another recent development, Christopher Rufo, an investigative journalist, disclosed allegations of substantial welfare fraud involving Minnesota’s Somali demographic. He claimed that some misappropriated funds are sent back to Somalia, potentially aiding al-Shabab, a group linked to al-Qaeda.

“Some Somalis established fake autism treatment facilities, taking taxpayer money through Medicaid and channeling it to terrorist groups overseas,” Gonzalez quoted Rufo’s findings.

Many involved in these scams are naturalized citizens, which raises questions about the actual impact of excluding a small number of Somalis from TPS, she argued. “What measures will be taken to remove these individuals from our country?”