The federal government recently ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for refugees from Myanmar, which will directly affect Minnesota's Karen community by risking their deportation back to Myanmar. Alicia Buckner, the executive director of the Karen Organization of Minnesota, told the Minnesota Star Tribune about her concerns regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced its intention to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali Minnesotans before the current expiration date of March 2026. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, with the majority being U.S. citizens or legal residents. Currently, just over 400 Somalis in Minnesota hold TPS, which is a protection offered to foreign-born individuals who cannot return to their home country safely. This status provides various benefits for a limited time, including the ability to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), travel authorization, and protection from detention by DHS based solely on their immigration status in the United States.

These decisions will significantly affect families and the community. If you have questions about your rights or need to know what to do in case of an immigration encounter, there are resources to help you:

• Free Legal Clinics: Immigration attorneys are available through Community Clinics, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, and Volunteer Lawyers Network.
• Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs: Drop-in hours are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:00 - 4:00pm at 777 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN