US Shuts Door on Somali Migrants as Trump Administration Moves to End Temporary Protected Status, Putting Thousands at Risk of Deportation

The United States has announced plans to end Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals, a move that could force thousands to leave the country within the next year. The decision, made by the Trump administration, has sparked concern among immigrant communities and human rights groups.

On January 13, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that TPS for Somalis will expire in March 2026. As a result, about 2,400 people could lose legal protection. They will be required to leave the US unless a court blocks the decision. According to DHS, Somali nationals currently under TPS must depart by March 17, 2026. Officials stressed that the programme was never meant to be permanent. “Temporary means temporary,” the US Citizenship and Immigration Services said in a statement posted online.

The administration argues that conditions in Somalia have improved. Because of that, DHS says the country no longer meets the legal threshold for TPS designation. Noem added that allowing Somalis to remain in the US is no longer in America’s national interest. She said the government is focused on “putting Americans first,” a phrase that echoes President Donald Trump’s long-standing immigration stance.

The announcement follows sharp remarks by Trump about Somali immigrants in late 2025. During a Cabinet meeting, the president openly criticised Somali migrants. He questioned why the US continued to admit people from what he described as unstable regions. His comments drew backlash but also reinforced the administration’s tougher tone on immigration.

At the same time, US authorities are investigating a large fraud case linked to Minnesota. Federal investigators allege that more than $250 million meant for child nutrition during the COVID-19 period was stolen. The case has involved several Somali-Americans. The FBI has increased staffing in the state to tackle what it calls large-scale fraud. In one case, suspects were accused of trying to bribe a juror with cash.

The move mirrors a similar decision affecting South Sudan. Earlier this month, the US also ended TPS for South Sudanese nationals. DHS said that country’s situation had also improved. For Somali families, however, the decision brings fear and uncertainty. Many have lived, worked, and raised children in the US for years. Now, they face an unclear future as the deadline approaches.