The Department of Homeland Security terminated Temporary Protected Status for Somalia on January 13, with benefits set to expire on March 17. Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision, stating, “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. Further, allowing Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interests. We are putting Americans first.”

Somalia's TPS designation, first granted in 1991 amid civil war and famine, has been extended multiple times, most recently in 2024 through March 17, 2026. The program shields eligible nationals from deportation and grants work authorization when conditions, such as armed conflict, prevent a safe return.

DHS reviewed conditions 60 days before expiration, as required by law, consulting U.S. agencies. Officials determined no nationwide armed conflict exists, with violence now localized and safe areas like Somaliland and Puntland available for return. Food insecurity affects 3.4 million, but does not qualify as extraordinary temporary conditions.

National interest factors also played a role, including public safety risks from Al-Shabaab terrorism, inadequate vetting due to past diplomatic gaps, and U.S. incidents involving Somali nationals. Somalia's visa overstay rates exceeded global averages at 21.3% for B-1/B-2 visas and 25% for student visas in fiscal 2024. Fraud in benefits and immigration programs was noted.

As of December 8, 2025, 1,082 Somali nationals held active TPS, with 1,383 applications pending. Employment authorization documents issued under prior extensions are automatically valid through March 17. After expiration, holders revert to their prior immigration status, if any, and lose deportation protection unless they qualify for other relief, such as asylum.

DHS encouraged voluntary departure via the CBP Home app, offering a complimentary plane ticket, $1,000 exit bonus, and future legal immigration options. The termination aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to end TPS for several countries, including recent moves on Yemen, though some face court challenges.

Somali communities, particularly in Minnesota, expressed concern. Advocates warned of family separations, while enforcement groups praised restoring TPS's temporary intent. No lawsuits blocking Somalia's termination have been reported as the deadline nears.