What to know as temporary protected status for Somalis is set to end

Temporary protected status (TPS) for Somalis is set to expire on March 17, 2023, after being in effect since 1991, when the country's civil war broke out and a humanitarian crisis unfolded. Since then, the US government has extended TPS for Somalia numerous times, as the country continued to experience conflict and instability.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in August 2022 that it would be ending TPS for Somalia, citing improvements in the country's security situation and the need to move forward with a more "permanent solution" for Somali immigrants. This move has left many Somalis in the US who were granted TPS uncertain about their future.

"The situation in Somalia has improved dramatically since 1991, and we are working with the Somali government to finalize a more permanent solution for Somali immigrants in the US," said a spokesperson for DHS.

TPS allows individuals from countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to live and work in the US without fear of deportation. The program has been in place since 1990 and has been used to provide relief to immigrants from over 10 countries.

For Somalis in the US, the end of TPS will mean that they will no longer be protected from deportation. Many have built lives in the US, started families, and become integral members of their communities. They will now face the possibility of being forced to leave the country they call home.

One Somali immigrant in the US said, "I've been in the US for over 20 years, and I've raised a family here. The thought of being deported back to Somalia is terrifying. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm hoping that Congress will take action to extend TPS for Somalia."

What happens next?

The ending of TPS for Somalia will have significant consequences for the over 450,000 Somalis living in the US. Many will be eligible for other immigration programs, such as Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) or asylum. However, the process of applying for these programs can be lengthy and complex, and many Somalis may not have the resources or support to navigate the system.

Congress has the authority to extend TPS for Somalia, but it will require a separate legislative action. Some lawmakers have already introduced bills to extend TPS for Somalia, but it's unclear if they will pass.

The future of Somalis in the US is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the ending of TPS will have a profound impact on their lives and their communities.

Resumen por la autora

La decisión de terminar el TPS para Somalia deja a más de 450,000 personas en una situación de incertidumbre y miedo sobre su futuro. La comunidad somalí en los EE. UU. se siente devastada por esta decisión y lucha por encontrar una solución para evitar ser deportadas.

MPR News — 2025-11-25