Trump's Proposal to End Protections for Somali Immigrants Sparks Outrage

Sun Nov 23 2025 07:23:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump's recent announcement to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants in Minnesota has ignited fears and backlash among the state's residents. While some perceive it as a crackdown on immigration, others view it as a politically motivated attack on minority communities.

President Trump declared his intention to revoke the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis in Minnesota, contrasting sharply with legal opinions pointing out a lack of authority for such actions. This has triggered widespread concern among community leaders and immigrant advocates, who warn of potential increases in hate against the Somali population. While some Republicans support the move citing law and order concerns, critics argue it undermines the invaluable contributions of the Somali community in Minnesota and could exacerbate divisions in society. A substantial number of Somalis have faced ongoing violence and instability in their homeland, raising questions about the intentions behind the proposal.

President Donald Trump’s announcement to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants in Minnesota has provoked fear and uncertainty within the state’s immigrant community. This directive, stated in a Truth Social post, calls into question the legal foundation and intentions behind the move.

The TPS provides legal protections against deportation for individuals from certain countries in turmoil. Trump’s proposal targets the Somali population, which is significant in Minnesota. Legal experts have criticized the measure, suggesting it is a dubious attempt to instill fear in marginalized groups.

“There’s no legal mechanism that permits the president to revoke protected status specifically for one community or region,” asserted Heidi Altman, policy director at the National Immigrant Justice Center. Her comments highlight the legal complexities surrounding Trump's announcement.

Social media responses from leaders like Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar emphasize the flawed rationale behind this decision. Omar, a prominent member of the Somali community, noted, “Good luck celebrating a policy change that really doesn’t have much impact on the Somalis you love to hate.”

In light of the President’s claims, advocates have raised concerns over the possibility of increased Islamophobia targeting the Somali community. Jaylani Hussein, president of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, remarked that this policy represents a political strike against Somali and Muslim populations, driven by Islamophobic rhetoric.

Despite the threat of changes to TPS, it’s essential to recognize that a mere fraction of the Somali population in Minnesota—approximately 705 individuals—would be affected, according to a congressional report. However, the symbolic weight of such a decision could stoke underlying tensions and conflicts.

Critics within the Minnesota political landscape, including Governor Tim Walz, condemned the intent behind this order, characterizing it as a distraction from pressing issues of public safety and community welfare. “It’s not surprising that the President has chosen to broadly target an entire community. This is what he does to change the subject,” he stated.

As part of a larger strategy to enforce stringent immigration policies, the Trump administration has consistently moved to withdraw various forms of immigrant protections, affecting hundreds of thousands. While the national debate continues over immigration reforms, the ramifications of this proposal on local communities remain to be seen.