MN activists call for extension on temporary protected status for Somalia
(KMSP) - A civil rights organization is calling for the government to extend temporary protected status for Somalis living in the U.S.
Right now, that status will expire on September 17, 2018. However, the Department of Homeland Security will decide on Thursday whether to extend their protected status.
Minnesota's chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations believes there should be an extension based on the environmental and humanitarian conditions in Somalia.
If extended, individuals from Somalia with TPS will be eligible to re-register for an extension of their status. If TPS is canceled, deportations may commence as a result.
“TPS is going to be crucial and critical for the state of Minnesota and the families here who are living with loved ones who really have no way to go back, and if they go back, they face death, they face hunger, they face all types of challenges,” said Jaylani Hussein, executive director or CAIR.
TPS has been extended by presidents several times since 1991.
Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Rob Portman of Ohio are also urging the government to extend those protections.