USCIS Confirms Extension of TPS for Somalia Following Federal Court Order
The termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia has been temporarily paused by a federal judge, providing a vital reprieve for Somali nationals living in the United States. The designation, which was slated to expire on March 17, 2026, will continue due to an order from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in the ongoing lawsuit African Communities Together et al. v. Noem et al.
Under this court order, Somali TPS beneficiaries will retain their lawful status and employment authorization. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) bearing the A12 or C19 category codes are automatically extended through May 18, 2026.
This extension ensures that beneficiaries can continue to work and reside in the U.S. without immediate fear of deportation. For employment verification purposes, the SAVE system will reflect this extension, noting that employment is authorized through the May deadline.
While this injunction offers temporary stability, it is not a permanent solution. The future of TPS for Somalia depends entirely on the outcome of the active litigation. Beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to use this extended period to evaluate their immigration standing and seek professional legal counsel regarding alternative visa options or relief from removal.