US Supreme Court agrees to review legal challenge questioning automatic citizenship for those born in the US.

The US Supreme Court has will hear a significant case that challenges a century-old constitutional right: birthright citizenship for those born on American soil.

On his first day in office this January, President Donald Trump signed an order aiming to end the policy, but the move was struck down by lower courts after lawsuits were filed.

The Supreme Court's final decision will ultimately uphold citizenship rights for the children of foreign nationals who are in the US illegally or on short-term permits, or it will end them altogether.

Next, the justices will set a time to hear oral arguments between the administration and the suing parties, which include parents who are immigrants and their infants.

The Legal Foundation

For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has codified the doctrine that anyone born in the country is a US citizen, with exceptions for children born to embassy personnel and members of foreign military forces.

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

The disputed executive order sought to withhold citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US illegally or are in the country on non-permanent visas.

The United States is one of about 30 countries – primarily in the Americas – that grant instant citizenship to anyone born in their territory.