US Supreme Court has decided to consider lawsuit questioning automatic citizenship for those born in the US.
The top court has decided to review a significant case that questions a century-old constitutional right: guaranteed citizenship for individuals born on American soil.
On his first day in office this January, the President signed an order aiming to end this practice, but the action was struck down by lower courts after constitutional questions were filed.
The Supreme Court's final decision will either support citizenship rights for the infants of foreign nationals who are in the US undocumented or on short-term permits, or it will overturn those rights entirely.
Next, the justices will set a time to hear the case between the federal government and claimants, which include foreign-born parents and their young children.
The 14th Amendment
For nearly 160 years, the 14th Amendment has established the rule that all individuals born in the country is a citizen, with specific conditions for children born to foreign diplomats and personnel of invading forces.
"Anyone born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."
The contested directive sought to deny 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 one of about 30 countries – primarily in the Americas – that provide immediate citizenship to any person born within their borders.
