America's top judicial body has decided to hear case questioning automatic citizenship for those born in the US.
The US Supreme Court has decided to review a pivotal case that challenges a historic guarantee: birthright citizenship for those born within US borders.
On day one in office this January, President Donald Trump signed an order aiming to terminate the policy, but the move was subsequently blocked by lower courts after lawsuits were filed.
The Supreme Court's ultimate ruling will either affirm citizenship rights for the infants of migrants who are in the US undocumented or on temporary visas, or it will end those rights completely.
Next, the judges will schedule a date to hear arguments between the government and claimants, which involve parents who are immigrants and their infants.
The 14th Amendment
For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has established the rule that every person born in the country is a American citizen, with specific conditions for children born to embassy personnel and personnel 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 challenged presidential order sought to withhold citizenship to the children of people who are whether in the US without legal status or are in the country on non-permanent visas.
The United States is among about 30 countries – mostly in the Western Hemisphere – that grant instant citizenship to any person born within their borders.
