America's top judicial body agrees to review legal challenge questioning automatic citizenship for those born in the US.

The nation's highest court has agreed to take on a significant case that questions a century-old constitutional right: birthright citizenship for those born on American soil.

On the inaugural day in office this January, the administration signed an order aiming to end this practice, but the action was subsequently blocked by federal courts after lawsuits were initiated.

The Supreme Court's eventual judgment will either uphold citizenship rights for the children of immigrants who are in the US without authorization or on temporary visas, or it will nullify the provision completely.

Next, the court will calendar a session to hear the case between the government and plaintiffs, which involve immigrant parents and their young children.

The Legal Foundation

For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has codified the principle that anyone born in the United States is a American citizen, with exceptions for children born to diplomats and members of invading forces.

"Every individual born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."

The disputed directive sought to deny citizenship to the offspring of people who are either in the US in violation of immigration law or are in the country on non-permanent visas.

The United States is one of about three dozen nations – largely in the Western Hemisphere – that provide instant citizenship to anyone born within their borders.