Former President Donald Trump has announced the immediate termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants residing in Minnesota. This decision accelerates the dismantling of a program initially established in 1991 under President George H.W. Bush.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump alleged that Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of Minnesota and that billions of dollars are being wasted, without providing further explanation or evidence. He stated, “As President of the United States, I am hereby terminating, effective immediately, Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in Minnesota.”
Trump also described Minnesota as a “hub for fraudulent money laundering activity” under the leadership of Democratic Governor Tim Walz. This accusation appears to be a response to unverified media reports, amplified by several Republican lawmakers, claiming that Al-Shabaab in Somalia has benefited from fraudulent schemes originating in Minnesota.
Governor Walz responded via X, stating, “It’s not surprising that the former President would decide to target an entire community at random.”
Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Minnesota, expressed disappointment with Trump’s decision, emphasizing that the Somali individuals affected are legal immigrants. He argued that Trump’s action could lead to family separations. “These are legal immigrants, and they should not suffer as a result of a political game targeting Muslims. These are law-abiding individuals,” Hussein stated.
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the United States. Many fled the protracted civil war in Somalia and were drawn to the state’s welcoming social programs. The TPS program for Somalis was initially established in September 1991 by President George H.W. Bush, offering government protection to eligible foreign-born individuals unable to return home safely due to civil war, natural disasters, or other dangerous conditions.
The implications of this decision for the Somali community in Minnesota remain to be seen, but it has already sparked significant controversy and raised concerns about the future of these immigrants and their families.
