America's top judicial body has decided to hear lawsuit disputing citizenship by birth.
The US Supreme Court has decided to review a pivotal case that challenges a historic guarantee: birthright citizenship for individuals born in the United States.
On his first day in office this winter, the administration issued an executive order aiming to halt the policy, but the action was halted by the judiciary after legal challenges were initiated.
The Supreme Court's final decision will ultimately uphold citizenship rights for the offspring of foreign nationals who are in the US illegally or on short-term permits, or it will end those rights altogether.
Next, the court will calendar a session to hear the case between the federal government and claimants, which involve foreign-born parents and their young children.
The Legal Foundation
For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has codified the doctrine that all individuals born in the nation is a US citizen, with exceptions for children born to diplomats and personnel of invading forces.
"All persons 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 refuse citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US illegally or are in the country on short-term status.
The United States is among about 30 countries – mostly in the Western Hemisphere – that grant instant citizenship to anyone born in their territory.
