The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it won’t extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Designation for Somalia. The move is the latest in a series of TPS terminations for countries like Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua. This means individuals residing in the U.S. under the program face losing their detention and removal protections. Somalia’s TPS expires on March 17, 2026.

TPS designation gives nationals from specific countries detention and removal protections upon entering the U.S. Most TPS designations last from around six to eighteen months. Additionally, the DHS reviews and renews designations no later than sixty days before the current extension ends. Somalia’s most recent TPS designation came in July 2024.

The DHS explained Somalia didn’t meet the standards warranting TPS renewal. Additionally, the DHS explained keeping the program went against U.S. national interests. The government granted Somali nationals’ detention and removal protections until March 2026. Until then, beneficiaries retain all their protections and employment authorization documents (EAD).

The DHS extended certain EADs issued under the TPS through March 17. Somali TPS beneficiaries can present an EAD with the A-12 or C-19 designation. Employers should reverify if any employees have work authorization based on TPS EAD. For TPS beneficiaries, seeking an alternate source of legal residency as soon as possible is the best course of action.

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