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Kristi Noem Terminates Somalia TPS; Benefits to End March 2026 In a major shift in U.S. humanitarian policy, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced recently, that the United States will terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Somalia. The move is part of a broader "Americans First" immigration strategy by the current administration, which has also recently moved to end protections for nationals from Ethiopia, Venezuela, and Syria.*The Decision and Deadline*The DHS has set **March 17, 2026**, as the final expiration date for Somali TPS benefits.* **Current Status:** TPS holders will maintain their legal status and work authorization until the March 17 deadline.* **The Justification:** Secretary Noem stated that "temporary means temporary," asserting that conditions in Somalia have improved enough to no longer meet the statutory requirements for the program.* **National Interest:** The administration further argued that the continued stay of Somali nationals under this program is "contrary to the national interest."### **Impact on the Somali Community**There are approximately **2,500 Somali nationals** currently protected by TPS or with pending applications. While the number is small compared to the total Somali-American population of 260,000, the impact on these individuals is profound.* **Deportation Risk:** Once the status expires in March 2026, those who have not secured another legal path to residency (such as asylum or family-based visas) will be subject to removal proceedings.* **Self-Deportation Incentives:** The administration has encouraged "self-deportation" via the CBP Home mobile app, offering a $1,000 exit bonus and a plane ticket to those who leave voluntarily before the deadline.* **Criticism:** Human rights groups and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) have condemned the move as a "bigoted attack," noting that the State Department still maintains high-level travel warnings for Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.*Legal Challenges Looming**The termination of Somalia’s TPS follows a pattern of recent legal battles. While the administration has seen some victories in the Supreme Court regarding TPS termination for other countries, a **U.S. District Judge in California** recently issued an order (December 31, 2025) vacating several other TPS termination decisions. Advocates for the Somali community are expected to seek similar judicial intervention to pause the March 17 expiration.Summary: Based on the latest reports and official government announcements, the situation regarding Somali Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has shifted significantly. Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has moved to terminate several TPS designations, including Somalia's.#TPSHaiti #tpssomalia #somaliarefugees #IllanOmar #usrepomar #MinnesotaFraud #minnesotaarrests(By our staff reporter) New YorkImage: Ai generated