America's top judicial body agrees to hear legal challenge challenging automatic citizenship for those born in the US.
The US Supreme Court has will hear a significant case that challenges a historic principle: birthright citizenship for those born on American soil.
On the inaugural day in office this January, the President issued an executive order aiming to halt birthright citizenship, but the move was subsequently blocked by federal courts after lawsuits were initiated.
The Supreme Court's ultimate decision will ultimately affirm citizenship rights for the offspring of foreign nationals who are in the US without authorization or on non-immigrant visas, or it will nullify those rights entirely.
Next, the judges will calendar a session to hear arguments between the administration and plaintiffs, which involve immigrant parents and their newborns.
A Constitutional Cornerstone
For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has codified the rule that anyone born in the United States is a American citizen, with exceptions 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 contested presidential order sought to refuse citizenship to the offspring of people who are either 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 award instant citizenship to anyone born on their soil.
