For Immediate Release:
May 2, 2012

Contact:
Brigit Helgen (202) 228-6317

Klobuchar Statement on Extension of Protective Status for Somalis Residing Legally in the U.S.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar released the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible Somalis living in the United States for an additional 18 months. The current protected status had been scheduled to expire on September 17, 2012. Under the extension, individuals who have already been granted TPS are eligible to re-register and maintain their status for an additional 18 months, through March 17, 2014. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the United States.

“Minnesota is home to the largest population of Somali immigrants in America – they are our friends, our co-workers, and our neighbors,” Klobuchar said. “Returning to Somalia at this time could put many Somalis and their families in serious danger, and this extension of TPS will ensure that they can stay out of harm’s way.”

Somalia was designated for TPS in 2001 as a result of ongoing armed conflict within the country that would pose a serious threat to the personal safety of TPS-eligible individuals in the United States if they were required to return to Somalia.

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Siad M. Ali
Senior Constituent Advocate | Office of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
(p) 612-727-5220 | (f) 612-727-5223 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov