Groups Push for Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Somalis
A few immigrant and advocacy organizations are advocating for an extension of the March 17 deadline regarding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis in the U.S. They argue that changes to immigration designations are being influenced by racial factors under the Trump administration.
This shift means around 1,080 Somali TPS recipients might have to leave voluntarily or check in with immigration authorities. A lawsuit addressing this issue was lodged in Massachusetts District Court on Tuesday.
The dissent cites President Trump’s derogatory comments about the Somali community, including references where he has called them “trash” and “low IQ people.” He has explicitly stated he doesn’t want Somalis in the country.
These remarks are seen as part of an agenda to target and penalize Somali citizens based on their race and national origin, conflicting with the U.S. Constitution.
Immigration Debate Intensifies
The lawsuit, initiated by African Communities Together and the New Americans Partnership for Progress, lists the Department of Homeland Security as a defendant. This legal challenge emerges amidst Trump’s broader campaign against illegal immigration, particularly for Somalis in places like Minnesota, where recent allegations of fraud have captured national attention.
Notably, Trump has focused on Somalia since his initial term, including it in a travel ban back in 2017. In November 2025, reports of fraudulent schemes allegedly costing Minnesota government assistance programs $9 billion brought the issue back to the forefront.
Reacting to this, Trump announced the immediate end of TPS for Somalis in Minnesota, stating that the state is the center of illicit activities.
Status Changes and Future Implications
The ongoing situation has led to inquiries about TPS following the departure of outgoing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. A representative from DHS reaffirmed that their stance hasn’t changed, asserting, “Temporary means temporary.” They argue that Somalia’s conditions have improved enough to remove its TPS designation, suggesting it’s not in the national interest to allow Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the U.S.
TPS, established through the Immigration Act of 1990, protects individuals from deportation under specific conditions—mainly due to insecurity in their home countries, like in Somalia’s case since 1991.
The lawsuit filed states the ongoing dangers, highlighting terrorist activities from groups like al-Shabaab. The plaintiffs stress that Somalia still suffers widespread insecurity, human rights abuses, and a turbulent living situation. They referenced a recent TPS extension that indicates continuing armed conflict in the region.
As of now, DHS has not commented on the current situation in Somalia.
