Somali Immigrants Face Uncertainty As TPS Ends In March

Earlier this week, the Trump Administration announced that they would be ending the Temporary Protection Status for immigrants from Somalia on March 15th. That leaves some families in Minnesota, and St. Cloud specifically, is a very difficult spot.

WHERE do they go? What do they do with their personal property here? How do they get there, and how much will it cost? What about other family members who are American Citizens?

There are resources for those individuals who find themselves asking “what next?”, but finding that help isn't easy.

A news release from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the Temporary Protection Status for Somali immigrants would end March 17th. In the release, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was quoted:

Temporary means temporary. Country conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the law’s requirement for Temporary Protected Status. Further, allowing Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interests. We are putting Americans first.

While exact numbers are difficult to verify, the move will effect about 700 Somalians living in the United States, with about 400 of them living in Minnesota. The news release asks those affected to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Home Mobile Application to notify officials of their travel plans.

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So, what should you do?

I can’t imagine what I would do if someone told me I had two months to leave my home, much less leave the nation. More importantly, I can’t find much help for those people who need to make that decision quickly.

The news release from the Department of Homeland Security asks those affected to use the Home Mobile Application to report their departure from the United States. According to the release, the app “is a safe, secure way to self-deport and includes a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and the opportunity for potential future legal immigration”.

Related: ICE Action in Minnesota

Several advocacy groups, like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, have websites dedicated to helping those individuals who are facing the end of their TPS Visas. In general, their guidance can be summarized into the following categories.

Immediate Steps & Assessment:

• Understand your new status: You revert to the immigration status you had before TPS, or become undocumented if you entered without inspection.
• Get Legal Help: Contact an experienced immigration lawyer immediately to assess options, as situations vary greatly.
• Organize Documents: Keep all immigration records, civil documents, and tax records organized.
• Plan for Work/Life: Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and potentially driver's license benefits end; your Social Security Number remains valid.

Potential Immigration Pathways

• Family-Based Visas: Petition by a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident relative (spouse, parent, child).
• Employment-Based Visas: Explore options like H-1B or PERM, though these often require legal entry and maintenance of status.
• Asylum: If you fear persecution in your home country based on race, religion, nationality, etc. TPS can "stop the clock" for the one-year asylum filing deadline.
• Cancellation of Removal: A possibility in immigration court for long-term residents facing hardship to family.
• Humanitarian Visas (T/U Visas): For victims of trafficking or specific crimes, though processing can be long.
• Advanced Parole: An option for some, but it involves risks and complications.

Key Considerations

• Time is Critical: Some options, like asylum, have strict deadlines, and unlawful presence can create bars to re-entry.
• Legal Entry Matters: Having entered legally (e.g., with parole) can open more paths for adjustment of status.
• Lawsuits: Some groups (like Venezuelan TPS holders) are involved in lawsuits that might offer temporary relief or avenues for release from detention, but this doesn't restore TPS status itself.

Calls to several relief agencies were not returned by the publication deadline.