America's top judicial body agrees to consider lawsuit challenging automatic citizenship for those born in the US.
The top court has decided to review a significant case that questions a century-old principle: guaranteed citizenship for those born on American soil.
On his first day in office this winter, the President issued an executive order aiming to halt the policy, but the move was struck down by the judiciary after legal challenges were initiated.
The Supreme Court's final ruling will either uphold citizenship rights for the children of foreign nationals who are in the US illegally or on short-term permits, or it will overturn the provision completely.
Next, the justices will set a time to hear arguments between the administration and claimants, which comprise foreign-born parents and their newborns.
A Constitutional Cornerstone
For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has enshrined the principle that every person born in the nation is a US citizen, with exceptions for children born to 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 refuse citizenship to the offspring of people who are either in the US without legal status or are in the country on short-term status.
The United States is one of about 30 countries – primarily in the Americas – that award immediate citizenship to anyone born in their territory.
