US Supreme Court will hear legal challenge disputing birthright citizenship.
The nation's highest court has agreed to take on a landmark case that questions a historic constitutional right: guaranteed citizenship for those born on American soil.
On the inaugural day in office this winter, the President issued an executive order aiming to halt birthright citizenship, 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 offspring of migrants who are in the US illegally or on non-immigrant visas, or it will nullify the provision entirely.
Next, the judges will schedule a date to hear arguments between the administration and claimants, which include foreign-born parents and their infants.
A Constitutional Cornerstone
For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has established the doctrine that anyone born in the United States is a American citizen, with exceptions for children born to diplomats and members 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 refuse citizenship to the children of people who are whether in the US without legal status or are in the country on temporary visas.
The United States is one of about 30 countries – primarily in the Americas – that grant immediate citizenship to anyone born in their territory.
