WASHINGTON D.C. – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Somali diaspora and raised alarms in East Africa, United States President Donald Trump announced on Friday, November 22, 2025, the immediate termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals residing in the state of Minnesota. The directive, issued via the Truth Social platform, could impact hundreds of individuals and carries significant economic and security implications for Kenya and the broader region.

In his statement, President Trump alleged, without providing evidence, that Minnesota is a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity” and claimed “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State.” He concluded with the declaration: “Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER!”

The announcement was met with immediate condemnation from community advocates and legal experts, who questioned its legality and motive. Immigration law experts argue that TPS, a humanitarian designation, cannot be terminated for a single state or based on unsubstantiated claims unrelated to the conditions in the country of origin. “Donald Trump cannot terminate TPS for just one state or on a bigoted whim,” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated, confirming his office was exploring all legal options.

Understanding Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status is a programme established by the U.S. Congress in 1990 to shield foreign nationals in the United States from being deported to their home countries if those countries are deemed unsafe due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Somalia was first designated for TPS in 1991 following the collapse of its central government and the ensuing civil war. The status has been extended by successive administrations, both Republican and Democrat, due to persistent instability. The most recent extension by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is valid until March 17, 2026.

According to a Congressional Research Service report, the number of Somalis currently holding TPS is relatively small, estimated at 705 nationwide as of March 2025, with approximately 430 residing in Minnesota. However, a July 2024 DHS announcement suggested that a redesignation could make an estimated 4,300 additional Somalis eligible, amplifying the potential impact of the policy shift.

The Kenyan and Regional Nexus

While the order targets Somalis in a single U.S. state, its reverberations are expected to be felt keenly in East Africa, particularly in Kenya. The primary concern is the potential disruption of diaspora remittances, which are a cornerstone of Somalia's economy and a significant source of foreign exchange for Kenya.

According to a 2024 World Bank report, diaspora remittances to Somalia reached approximately $1.73 billion, accounting for a significant 13.6% of the nation's GDP. These funds are crucial for household survival, supporting everything from food and education to healthcare. A significant portion of these remittances originates from the large Somali community in the United States, including Minnesota. Any policy that creates fear and uncertainty within this diaspora could constrict this financial lifeline, potentially worsening the humanitarian situation in Somalia.

For Kenya, the economic stakes are also high. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) reported that remittances from the diaspora hit a record $4.95 billion in 2024, with the United States being the largest source, accounting for 51% of the total inflows. These funds are Kenya's single largest source of foreign currency, surpassing earnings from tea, tourism, or horticulture. A hardline immigration stance could affect the broader Kenyan diaspora, whose financial contributions are vital for stabilizing the Kenyan Shilling and supporting the national economy.

Furthermore, Kenya has borne the brunt of regional instability for decades, hosting hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees in camps like Dadaab. Previous U.S. immigration restrictions under the Trump administration have directly impacted resettlement programs from these camps, leaving many refugees in limbo. Increased instability in Somalia resulting from economic shocks could lead to new waves of displacement, placing further strain on Kenya's resources and national security. At the time of publication, official statements from the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the East African Community (EAC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on this specific TPS announcement were not available.

Deportation Precedents and Future Fears

The threat of deportation is not abstract. During President Trump's first term (2017-2021), deportations of African nationals increased significantly. In 2017 alone, 521 Somalis were deported from the U.S., a sharp rise from 198 in the previous year. Similarly, 103 Kenyans were deported in 2017, up from 63 in 2016. In early 2017, a flight arrived in Nairobi carrying over 90 deportees from the U.S., including both Somali and Kenyan nationals. This history has fueled anxiety that the current announcement, though legally questionable, signals a renewed and aggressive enforcement policy that could see hundreds returned to a region grappling with conflict, climate change, and economic hardship.

The U.S. State Department currently designates Somalia as a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” country due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. The potential return of individuals who have lived in the U.S. for years, some since childhood, to such a volatile environment raises profound humanitarian concerns. Community leaders in Minnesota have vowed to fight the order, emphasizing the Somali community's deep roots and contributions to the state. For now, a small group of protected individuals and the economies of an entire region are braced for the outcome of the impending legal and political battle. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.