US Supreme Court agrees to consider lawsuit disputing automatic citizenship for those born in the US.

The top court has decided to review a significant case that puts to the test a longstanding principle: guaranteed citizenship for those born within US borders.

On day one in office this winter, the President signed an order aiming to halt the policy, but the move was struck down by federal courts after legal challenges were filed.

The Supreme Court's final ruling will ultimately affirm citizenship rights for the infants of foreign nationals who are in the US undocumented or on short-term permits, or it will end the provision completely.

Next, the judges will calendar a session to hear oral arguments between the administration and claimants, which comprise parents who are immigrants and their newborns.

The Legal Foundation

For nearly 160 years, the Constitutional amendment has established the principle that every person born in the nation is a US citizen, with specific conditions for children born to foreign diplomats and members of occupying armies.

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

The challenged executive order sought to withhold citizenship to the children of people who are either in the US in violation of immigration law or are in the country on short-term status.

The United States is one of about 30 countries – mostly in the North and South America – that provide immediate citizenship to any person born within their borders.