Judge Temporarily Blocks DHS From Ending Protected Status for Somali Immigrants

The judge said Somalis could face substantial consequences if the termination of special protections were to take effect while the case is ongoing.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington on Feb. 17, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

A federal judge on March 13 temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from ending temporary protected status (TPS) for Somali nationals in the United States.

Judge Allison D. Burroughs of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued the order following a lawsuit filed by four Somali nationals and two nonprofits—African Communities Together and the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans—arguing that Somalis would face harm if their legal status were revoked.