US Supreme Court will review legal challenge questioning birthright citizenship.

The top court has will hear a pivotal case that puts to the test a century-old principle: automatic citizenship for those born on American soil.

On the inaugural day in office this winter, the President issued an executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship, but the move was struck down by lower courts after constitutional questions were initiated.

The Supreme Court's ultimate judgment will either support citizenship rights for the offspring of immigrants who are in the US illegally or on short-term permits, or it will end them entirely.

Next, the court will schedule a date to hear the case between the federal government and claimants, which comprise immigrant parents and their infants.

The Legal Foundation

For nearly 160 years, the 14th Amendment has established the doctrine that every person born in the country is a citizen, with exceptions for children born to embassy personnel and personnel of occupying armies.

"Every individual 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 withhold citizenship to the children of people who are either in the US in violation of immigration law or are in the country on temporary visas.

The United States is among about 30 countries – primarily in the Americas – that provide immediate citizenship to anyone born within their borders.