Minneapolis, MN – On January 13, 2026, the Trump administration announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, requiring affected individuals to depart the United States by March 17, 2026 unless they are able to secure another lawful immigration status. TPS for Somalia was first designated in 1991 due to ongoing civil conflict and extraordinary conditions and has been continuously extended for more than three decades.
The termination of TPS for Somalia follows similar actions taken by the administration to end or announce the termination of TPS for nationals from other countries, including Ethiopia and Myanmar (Burma), as well as additional communities previously protected under U.S. humanitarian law. In each case, the Department of Homeland Security has asserted that statutory conditions for TPS are no longer met, despite ongoing instability, conflict, or humanitarian crises in many of these countries.
TPS is a humanitarian protection authorized under federal law that allows eligible individuals from designated countries to remain in the United States temporarily and obtain work authorization when conditions such as armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary circumstances make safe return unsafe or impossible.
The Minneapolis Delegation of the Minnesota House of Representatives issued the following statement:
“The termination of Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals and other impacted communities represents a significant departure from decades of bipartisan humanitarian policy. These decisions place long-standing Minnesota residents—who have lived, worked, and raised families here legally—at immediate risk of losing their lawful status and being forced into uncertainty.
“TPS exists because conditions in designated countries meet clear statutory standards related to conflict and instability. Ending these protections does not change the realities on the ground abroad, but it does create fear, disrupt families, and destabilize communities here at home.
“As the Minneapolis Delegation, we stand with Somali Minnesotans and with all communities impacted by the termination of TPS. We oppose immigration policies that separate families, undermine community stability, and erode public trust.
“Immigrant and refugee communities are an essential part of Minneapolis and Minnesota. They are our neighbors, coworkers, healthcare workers, educators, small-business owners, and civic leaders. Our state is stronger because of their contributions, and we will continue to advocate for policies that protect the safety, dignity, and stability of every community impacted by these decisions.”
The Minneapolis Delegation for the 2025-2026 biennium in the House includes Rep. Michael Howard (51A), Rep. Fue Lee (59A), Rep. Esther Agbaje (59B), Rep. Sydney Jordan (60A), Rep. Mohamud Noor (60B), Rep. Katie Jones (61A), Rep. Jamie Long (61B), Rep. Aisha Gomez (62A), Rep. Anquam Mahamoud (62B), Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura (63A), and Rep. Emma Greenman (63B).
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