Homeland Security Ends Temporary Protected Status for Somalia

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DHS ends TPS for Somalia March 17, 2026. Somali nationals should depart or seek other legal status.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Somalia’s designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a decision that will take effect on March 17, 2026. This action means that Somali nationals currently in the United States under TPS will need to depart the country by that date, unless they obtain another form of legal status.

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The termination comes after a review of conditions in Somalia, with the Department of Homeland Security asserting that the country’s circumstances have improved to a point where it no longer meets the legal requirements for TPS. The designation, which allows individuals from designated countries to remain in the U.S. temporarily, is intended to be a short-term measure when a country is unable to safely receive its nationals back due to conflict or other extraordinary conditions.

The effective date of March 17, 2026, provides a significant period for individuals to prepare for departure. The law mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with other relevant government agencies, reviews a country’s TPS designation at least 60 days before its expiration to determine if the conditions warranting the designation persist.

For Somali nationals residing in the U.S. solely under TPS, the Department of Homeland Security is providing guidance on departure procedures. Individuals without any other legal basis to remain in the United States are encouraged to utilize the CBP Home mobile application. This app is presented as a secure method for self-departure and offers resources including a complimentary plane ticket and a $1,000 exit bonus. Additionally, the department notes that utilizing this program may present opportunities for future legal immigration.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Department of Homeland Security.

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