Swarthmore Joins Harvard-Led Lawsuit Defending International Students

College stands with other institutions in supporting legal fight against federal government's threat to revoke Harvard's student visa program certification

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Swarthmore College has joined the University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College, and over twenty other national higher education associations as a co-signatory on an amicus brief supporting a Harvard University lawsuit against the federal government. The lawsuit follows the Trump administration's decision to revoke Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification and cut $2.7 million in Department of Homeland Security grants to the university, citing unsubstantiated claims about Harvard's international students.

Why it matters

The case highlights growing tensions between higher education institutions and the federal government over policies targeting international students. Swarthmore and other colleges view supporting Harvard's legal fight as crucial to defending the rights and contributions of international students, who enrich campus communities and society at large.

The details

In April 2025, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem demanded that Harvard submit 'detailed records on Harvard's foreign student visa holders' illegal and violent activities' or risk losing its SEVP certification. Though Harvard complied, Noem revoked the certification anyway, claiming the information provided was insufficient. Harvard then filed a lawsuit, winning a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, which the Trump administration appealed. The case is now under consideration by the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

  • In April 2025, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem threatened to revoke Harvard's SEVP certification.
  • On April 30, 2025, Harvard disclosed information about its international students to the federal government.
  • On May 22, 2025, Noem announced Harvard's SEVP certification would be revoked.
  • On May 23, 2025, a U.S. District Judge granted Harvard's request for a temporary restraining order.
  • On June 20, 2025, a U.S. District Judge approved Harvard's preliminary injunction, which was appealed by the Trump administration one week later.

The players

Swarthmore College

A private liberal arts college located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, that has joined the legal fight in support of Harvard's international students.

Harvard University

An Ivy League institution that filed a lawsuit against the federal government after the Trump administration revoked its SEVP certification and cut $2.7 million in DHS grants.

Kristi Noem

The former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who revoked Harvard's SEVP certification and made unsubstantiated claims about the university's international students.

Allison Burroughs

A U.S. District Judge who granted Harvard's temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal government's actions.

Tim Walberg

A Republican Congressman from Michigan who provided information about a program that allegedly involved members of a Chinese paramilitary group.

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What they’re saying

“Swarthmore College supports this amicus brief because it aligns with our mission and our deeply held belief that all of us benefit from engaging with diverse perspectives. Every day, our international students enrich our campus community and society more broadly in countless ways. 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.”

— Val Smith, President, Swarthmore College (The Phoenix)

“Immigration is one of the founding principles of this country. When you're trying to block international students from premier institutions in the States, you stop the inflow of brain power. Besides, it's just the right thing to do: you can't just let people bully you because you're afraid of the repercussions.”

— Ary Iyer, Class of 2028, Swarthmore College (The Phoenix)

“Many policies create uncertainty and fear that often go underestimated. I think even small policies cause the rippling effects that no actual data can estimate, and the people who take the consequences are actual families and human beings. I want to thank how much effort and care the [International Student Center and its student-run affinity group] have devoted to ensure everyone feels secure on campus.”

— Anonymous international student (The Phoenix)

What’s next

The case is currently under consideration by the First Circuit Court of Appeals, and the outcome will have significant implications for the future of international students at Harvard and other U.S. universities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the vital role that international students play in enriching college campuses and the broader U.S. society, and the importance of higher education institutions standing up to defend the rights and contributions of these students in the face of discriminatory federal policies.