A federal judge has cleared the way for the Trump administration to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, lifting a previous injunction that had prevented the government from ending the program. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs ruled on Friday that while the plaintiffs, African Communities Together, demonstrated they would suffer irreparable harm, they failed to show a likelihood of success on the merits of their case. Consequently, the government may now proceed with the termination of TPS for Somalis while the legal challenge remains ongoing.
Status of Somali TPS Beneficiaries and Work Authorization
The ruling impacts approximately 700 Somali nationals currently residing in the United States under TPS. According to USCIS guidance, the status and employment authorization for these individuals had been extended by a March 13, 2026, court order pending the resolution of litigation, including alignment with the Supreme Court’s June 2026 decision in Mullin v. Doe. Immigration attorney Roger Tsai noted that while the ruling confirms the Department of Homeland Security has the authority to end the program, he does not anticipate a sweeping immediate operation to remove those who have lost their status. Instead, he expects authorities may focus on individuals with criminal records while immediate impacts will be felt regarding work authorization for others.
Did You Know? Somalia was among the first countries to receive a TPS designation in 1991, just one year after Congress established the humanitarian program.
Government Rationale and Ongoing Travel Advisories
Then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the intention to end the program in January, citing that country conditions in Somalia had sufficiently improved. In a statement, Noem argued that “temporary means temporary” and that continuing the designation was “contrary to our national interests.” This decision stands in contrast to the Department of State’s current “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for Somalia. That advisory explicitly warns of terrorism, kidnapping, landmines, systematic mistreatment of women and gay and lesbian individuals, and piracy, among other security concerns.
Pathways for Affected Individuals
Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of the Council of American Islamic Relations for Minnesota, characterized the ruling as a “devastating blow.” However, Hussein noted that many TPS holders are concurrently pursuing other legal pathways toward citizenship. These existing applications may provide some individuals with continued legal standing even as their TPS-specific protections expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
[What is the primary reason the judge allowed the government to end Somali TPS?]
Judge Allison Burroughs ruled that while the plaintiffs proved they would suffer irreparable harm, they did not demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits of their legal case.
[How many people are affected by the end of Somali TPS?]
There are approximately 700 Somali nationals estimated to be living in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status.
[What does the ruling mean for work authorization?]
According to immigration attorney Roger Tsai, the ruling will likely result in the suspension or termination of work authorization for some individuals, and authorities may notify employers of these changes.
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