What Happened

On January 14, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia. TPS is a humanitarian protection that allows nationals of designated countries to live and work legally in the United States when conditions in their home country — such as armed conflict or environmental disasters — make it unsafe to return. Somalia has held this designation continuously since September 1991, making this termination the end of over 34 years of protection.

The termination takes effect at 11:59 p.m. local time on March 17, 2026.

Who Is Affected

This termination affects:

  • Somali nationals currently holding TPS under Somalia's designation
  • Stateless individuals who last habitually resided in Somalia and hold TPS under Somalia's designation

If you fall into one of these categories, your TPS — including your right to remain in the United States and your Employment Authorization Document (EAD, or work permit) — will expire on March 17, 2026.

Why DHS Is Ending TPS for Somalia

The Secretary of Homeland Security is required by law to review country conditions at least 60 days before a TPS designation expires and either extend or terminate the designation. After consulting with relevant U.S. government agencies, the Secretary determined that Somalia no longer meets the legal conditions required to maintain TPS designation.

The government's reasoning includes two main findings:

  1. Reduced armed conflict: DHS cited Somalia's transition from a failed state to a fragile state, the re-establishment of a functioning federal government recognized by the U.S. in 2013, and statements by Somalia's own president in September 2025 describing the country as confronting only "the last remaining pockets of international terrorism" rather than nationwide conflict.

  2. Ability to return in safety: DHS pointed to regions such as Somaliland and Puntland as areas where Somali nationals can safely reside, and cited economic progress including a construction boom in Mogadishu and IMF-supported macroeconomic reforms.

DHS also concluded that permitting Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest, citing factors such as foreign policy, national security, and immigration enforcement priorities.

Note: While DHS acknowledged that ongoing challenges remain — including Al-Shabaab terrorist activity affecting 3.4 million food-insecure Somalis — the Secretary determined these conditions do not legally justify continued TPS designation.

What Happens to Your Status After March 17, 2026

When TPS ends, affected individuals revert to whatever immigration status they held before receiving TPS — as long as that status has not expired. If you obtained another valid immigration status while on TPS (such as a student visa, green card, or other benefit), that status remains valid as long as it has not expired.

If you had no other valid immigration status before TPS, you may be undocumented after March 17, 2026, and subject to removal (deportation).

Important: There is no judicial review of the Secretary's decision to terminate TPS for a country. Legal challenges to the termination itself are not available under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

What You Should Do Now

If you currently hold TPS under Somalia's designation, you have approximately two months before protection ends. Use this time to:

  • Consult a qualified immigration attorney to review your options, which may include applying for another visa category, asylum, or other forms of relief.
  • Check whether you qualify for any other immigration status, such as family-based or employment-based visas.
  • Do not let other valid immigration documents expire — renew any separate visas or authorizations you may hold.
  • Stay informed about any legal challenges or additional government actions that could affect this termination before March 17, 2026.

This is a rapidly developing situation. Given the tight timeline, acting quickly is essential.