America's top judicial body agrees to review case disputing automatic citizenship for those born in the US.

The top court has decided to review a pivotal case that challenges a century-old principle: birthright citizenship for people born on American soil.

On the inaugural day in office this January, the President signed an order aiming to end birthright citizenship, but the move was halted by lower courts after lawsuits were brought forward.

The Supreme Court's eventual decision will ultimately affirm citizenship rights for the offspring of foreign nationals who are in the US without authorization or on temporary visas, or it will end them completely.

Next, the court will schedule a date to hear arguments between the administration and the suing parties, which involve foreign-born parents and their infants.

A Constitutional Cornerstone

For nearly 160 years, the Constitutional amendment has established the doctrine that every person born in the country is a American citizen, with certain exclusions 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 directive sought to withhold citizenship to the children of people who are either in the US illegally or are in the country on short-term status.

The United States is one of about 30 countries – largely in the Western Hemisphere – that grant immediate citizenship to all those born in their territory.