America's top judicial body has decided to hear lawsuit disputing citizenship by birth.

The US Supreme Court has agreed to take on a pivotal case that questions a historic principle: birthright citizenship for those born in the United States.

On day one in office this winter, the administration enacted a directive aiming to terminate this practice, but the order was halted by federal courts after constitutional questions were filed.

The Supreme Court's final ruling will ultimately support citizenship rights for the children of immigrants who are in the US without authorization or on short-term permits, or it will end the provision entirely.

Next, the judges will calendar a session to hear the case between the federal government and the suing parties, which involve foreign-born parents and their young children.

The Legal Foundation

For nearly 160 years, the Fourteenth Amendment has enshrined the doctrine that all individuals born in the United States is a US citizen, with exceptions for children born to diplomats and members 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 challenged directive sought to refuse citizenship to the children of people who are either in the US without legal status or are in the country on temporary visas.

The United States is one of about 30 countries – largely in the Americas – that provide instant citizenship to anyone born within their borders.