Rep. Humphrey Denounces Trump Administration's Decision to End Temporary Protected Status for Somali Immigrants

Columbus - State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) today condemned the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants, a move that will require Somali TPS holders to leave the United States by March 17, 2026.

"This decision ignores decades of reality and puts thousands of families in harm's way," said Rep. Humphrey. "Temporary Protected Status exists to prevent people from being sent back to dangerous conditions, and Somalia remains unsafe by every credible humanitarian measure."

Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian immigration program established by Congress to protect individuals from deportation when their home countries are experiencing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions that make return unsafe. TPS allows eligible individuals to live and work legally in the United States and requires background checks to maintain status.

Somalia has been designated for TPS since 1991 due to prolonged civil war, political instability, and humanitarian crises. Despite ongoing violence, food insecurity, and mass displacement affecting millions of people, the administration announced it would terminate the designation, citing claims that country conditions have improved.

"TPS holders are our neighbors, our coworkers, and our family members," concluded Rep. Humphrey. "After decades of lawful residence and contribution, they deserve stability and protection - not fear, uncertainty, and forced return to danger."

The termination of TPS will impact thousands of Somali immigrants nationwide, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades. TPS holders are legally employed, pay taxes, raise U.S.-citizen children, and contribute to their communities. Ending the program increases the risk of family separation and economic disruption while forcing individuals to return to a country still facing instability and violence.

The decision comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to end TPS protections for immigrants from multiple countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, Venezuela, and South Sudan. Several of these terminations are currently being challenged in federal court. The announcement regarding Somalia also follows repeated public statements by the President targeting Somali immigrants and questioning their presence in the United States.