Swarthmore College has joined a coalition of higher education institutions in submitting an amicus brief in support of Harvard University’s ongoing federal lawsuit concerning international student enrollment policies. The brief, filed in January, urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to uphold a preliminary injunction that blocks the federal government’s revocation of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, thus preserving Harvard’s ability to enroll international students.

“Every day, our international students enrich our campus community and society more broadly in countless ways,” says President Valerie Smith about joining the brief. “Their experiences and world views deepen our understanding of complex global challenges, strengthen learning for all students, and help create an educational experience that prepares graduates to live and lead thoughtfully in an interconnected world.”

Swarthmore joins 48 other institutions in affirming the importance of maintaining the ability of U.S. colleges and universities to enroll and support international students. The brief argues that federal actions targeting international student enrollment not only risk harming individual students and their families, but also jeopardize the broader academic enterprise and diminish the United States’ reputation as a welcoming destination for global talent and learning.

International students currently make up 14% of the Swarthmore student body, and they contribute significantly to campus diversity, foster global engagement, and play a valuable role in research, innovation, and cultural exchange.