WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the statement below on the extension and re-designation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS): 

“Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the country and has a tradition of opening its doors to immigrants from all over the world. I welcome this re-designation of Somalia for TPS, which will allow Somali people in Minnesota and across the United States to continue living, working, and succeeding in our country. As an early supporter of the legislation to provide these immigrants with a pathway to citizenship, I will continue to fight for reform to our immigration system.”

Somalis have had protected status in the United States since President George H.W. Bush first approved TPS for Somalia in response to its civil war in 1991. That status has been extended more than 20 times under presidents from both parties. Conditions in Somalia remain dire, and armed conflict continues to be a threat to the Somali people. In addition to these security risks, natural disasters and disease outbreaks have compromised millions of Somalis’ access to food, and poverty and famine remain widespread.

Klobuchar cosponsors of the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and in Emergency (SECURE) Act which would allow qualified TPS and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients to apply for legal permanent residency. 

# # #