The Trump administration announced plans to end Temporary Protected Status for around 2500 Somali nationals living in the US. This move will strip them of deportation protections and work permits starting March 17. It comes as federal agents ramp up enforcement in Minneapolis, home to the nation's largest Somali population. Officials say conditions in Somalia have improved enough to end the program, putting American interests first.
Background
Somalis began arriving in the US in large numbers after their country's civil war broke out in the early 1990s. Many fled violence and instability that tore the nation apart. Over time, nearly a quarter-million people of Somali descent now live in the US, with most in Minnesota. A lot of them are US citizens or have other legal status. But about 2500 hold Temporary Protected Status, or TPS.
Congress set up TPS in 1990 to give people from troubled countries a short-term stay in the US. It covers places hit by war, disasters, or epidemics where going home is not safe. Those with TPS can live here, work legally, and travel without fear of being sent back right away. It does not lead to green cards or citizenship on its own, but it buys time.
The program grew under President Joe Biden, covering more countries and people. Now in his second term, President Trump has moved to shut down most TPS designations. This includes ones for Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Myanmar, South Sudan, Syria, and Venezuela. Somalia joins that list. Trump first signaled this change last fall, focusing on Minnesota's Somali community.
Minnesota has drawn special attention from the administration. Federal officials point to a fraud case involving child care centers run by some in the Somali community. They say it shows problems that need fixing. In response, thousands of immigration agents have gone to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. This has led to arrests, protests, and tension. On January 7, an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during an enforcement action, sparking more clashes.
"Temporary means temporary. Country conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the law's requirement for Temporary Protected Status," said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. "Further, allowing Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interests. We are putting Americans first."
Trump has spoken harshly about Somalis in public. In a December Cabinet meeting, he called them "garbage" and said they contribute nothing. He added, "I don't want them in our country. I'll be honest with you. Their country's no good for a reason. Their country stinks."
Key Details
The Department of Homeland Security made the announcement this week. Somali TPS holders will lose their status and work permits on March 17. Officials urge them to leave on their own. If not, they face arrest and deportation.
"Our message is clear. Go back to your own country or we’ll send you back ourselves," the department posted on X.
This affects only the 2500 with TPS. Most Somalis in the US have citizenship or other protections. TPS started for Somalia years ago due to ongoing conflict. Now, the government says Somalia is safer and does not qualify anymore. They also argue keeping people here draws more illegal immigration.
Enforcement in Minnesota
The Twin Cities area has the biggest Somali population. Federal agents are there in force because of the fraud allegations and other issues. A YouTube video by Nick Shirley claimed widespread fraud at child care centers. State officials say the centers ran as normal, but the administration uses it to justify the push. Protests have grown since the January 7 shooting. Local leaders worry about community fear and daily life disruptions.
Trump's team says past TPS extensions went too far. They were meant to be short-term, not permanent stays. The administration has ended TPS for several other countries in recent months. Haitians lose theirs next month.
What This Means
For the 2500 affected Somalis, life changes fast. Many have lived and worked in the US for years, even decades. Losing TPS means no legal work and risk of removal. Families may split if some have US-born kids or other statuses. Some can apply for other relief, like asylum, but that takes time and is not guaranteed.
In Minnesota, the news adds to strain. The Somali community runs businesses, goes to school, and takes part in local life. Federal agents in the streets make people nervous. Protests could grow, and court fights are likely. Groups that help immigrants plan to challenge the decision in court, saying Somalia still faces dangers like violence and poverty.
The broader policy shift signals tougher immigration rules. Ending TPS for multiple countries removes protections for hundreds of thousands. It aims to cut what officials call overuse of the program. Supporters say it clears paths for legal immigration and protects jobs. Critics argue it ignores real risks back home and breaks up established lives.
Local economies feel it too. TPS holders pay taxes and fill jobs in places like meatpacking and driving. Their exit could leave gaps. Schools and clinics in Somali-heavy areas brace for fallout. Minnesota officials watch closely, balancing federal orders with community needs.
Deportation flights to Somalia may start soon after March 17. But Somalia's government must accept returnees, which is not always smooth. Past efforts faced logistics issues and safety worries. The US may hold some in detention while sorting details.
This move fits a pattern of focus on specific groups. The administration targets areas with high immigrant numbers. Minneapolis enforcement is the latest example. More actions could follow as agents push goals set by Trump.
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