US to end special protection for Somali migrants as lawsuits mount

End of Temporary Protected Status for Somalis

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to conclude the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Somali nationals. This decision impacts approximately 1,100 individuals, revoking their legal right to reside and work in the United States.

A lawsuit has been filed by four Somali nationals and two migrant-rights organizations, contesting the legality of ending TPS and questioning the decision-making process. The plaintiffs argue that the termination is not based on an objective evaluation of the current conditions in Somalia, where conflict persists.

African Communities Together is actively pursuing legal actions concerning Cameroonian, Ethiopian, and South Sudanese nationals who are also at risk of losing TPS. This affects nearly 12,000 individuals. The resolution of these cases remains pending and may take an extended period.

Immigration Enforcement and Social Service Fraud

U.S. immigration authorities have intensified their activities targeting Somali immigrants in regions such as Minnesota and Maine, which has led to public dissent and demonstrations. Concurrently, authorities have charged individuals in Minnesota with involvement in social service fraud schemes, allegedly resulting in significant financial losses. The majority of defendants in these cases are reportedly of Somali descent, with approximately 66 convictions to date.

Based on reporting by Africanews.