Thousands of Somali nationals living in the United States are facing possible deportation following the decision by the U.S. government to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) previously granted to citizens of Somalia.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the special immigration protection, which allows beneficiaries to live and work legally in the country, would expire by March 17, 2026, after a review concluded that conditions in Somalia no longer met the requirements for the designation.

Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian programme offered to nationals of countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary circumstances.

Somalia has benefited from the status since 1991, when civil war and state collapse rendered large parts of the country unsafe for return.

According to DHS officials, the decision to terminate the status was based on what they described as “improved security and governance conditions” in Somalia. The department stated that continuing the designation was no longer consistent with U.S. immigration laws and national interest considerations.

An estimated 2,500 Somali nationals currently hold TPS in the United States, with several others having pending applications. Many of the beneficiaries reside in states such as Minnesota, which hosts one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the country.

Immigration authorities warned that affected individuals must either secure an alternative legal status or prepare to leave the U.S. before the deadline, or risk being placed in removal proceedings.

The decision has drawn strong criticism from human rights organisations, immigration advocates and Somali-American community leaders, who argue that Somalia remains plagued by insecurity, militant violence, drought and humanitarian challenges.

Critics say the move could expose returnees to grave danger and disrupt families who have lived in the U.S. for decades, contributing economically and socially to their communities.

Some advocacy groups have also indicated plans to challenge the decision in court, urging the U.S. administration to reconsider or extend the protection on humanitarian grounds.

Meanwhile, DHS advised affected individuals to seek legal counsel and explore other immigration options, including asylum or family-based petitions, where applicable.

The development marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy toward Somali nationals and adds to ongoing debates over the future of humanitarian protection programmes in the country.