Somalia
Update: On Friday, March 13, 2026, a Massachusetts federal judge blocked the termination of TPS for Somalia. TPS holders from Somalia continue to enjoy protection from deportation and work authorization until a higher court states otherwise. The government is expected to appeal this decision, but we celebrate this victory for Somalian TPS holders.
It is important that TPS holders immediately seek legal advice from a trusted immigration attorney for more information and questions about how this may impact them or their loved ones.
- Until a higher court decides otherwise, TPS and related work authorization for Somalian TPS holders remains valid per a federal court order.
- A TPS holder who has applied for other immigration relief, for example asylum, may be authorized to work based on another pending application, and may provide proof of other forms of employment authorization to employers.
- If your employer asks, you can show them this federal court order, showing that work authorization for TPS holders from Somalia has been extended and remains valid.
- If your employer asks, and you have work authorization pursuant to another form of immigration relief, such as a pending asylum claim, you can show them your work permit pursuant to other immigration relief.
- If you are represented by a union, contact your Union Representative.
- If you are represented by a union, contact your Union Representative. Your union can bargain with your employer for an unpaid leave of absence, severance pay, or other separation benefits.
- Contact a trusted immigration attorney immediately. Beware of “notarios” or scammers. Find a reputable legal service provider near you.
On March 9, 2026, advocates filed a challenge to the Trump administration’s termination of TPS for Somalia in the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts. On March 13, 2026, the federal district court “stayed”/ blocked the termination of TPS for Somalia. This means that until a higher court decides otherwise, TPS holders from Somalia continue to enjoy TPS protection from deportation and related work authorization.
The court case led by African Communities Together (ACT), Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), and four Somali community members continues, African Communities Together, et al. v. Noem et al. The plaintiffs are represented by Muslim Advocates, Haitian Bridge Alliance, and the Legal Defense Fund.
The lawsuit will continue and additional details will be known in the coming days and weeks. The judge has not yet made a final decision on this case. Asylum applications may still be filed.
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