Former President Donald Trump said he is “immediately” ending temporary protected status (TPS) for Somali migrants living in Minnesota, the US state with the largest Somali community. The announcement marks another move in his push to roll back humanitarian protections for immigrants.
TPS was created in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other dangerous conditions. The designation is granted in 18-month cycles by the Department of Homeland Security. According to a recent congressional report, only about 705 Somalis nationwide are currently protected under the program, meaning the immediate impact may be limited but symbolically significant.
Trump made the announcement on social media, alleging crime and financial misconduct within Minnesota’s Somali community. He also repeated his broader campaign pledge to deport millions of migrants and criticized protections extended under previous administrations.
The move follows earlier efforts to end TPS for large groups, including Venezuelans and Haitians, and to restrict protections for migrants from countries such as Cuba and Syria. Critics argue the decision will further destabilize vulnerable families who fled conflict in Somalia and have lived legally in the United States for years.