America's top judicial body agrees to review lawsuit questioning birthright citizenship.

The nation's highest court has agreed to take on a significant case that challenges a historic constitutional right: guaranteed citizenship for those born within US borders.

On the inaugural day in office this January, the administration issued an executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship, but the action was subsequently blocked by federal courts after constitutional questions were filed.

The Supreme Court's final decision will ultimately support citizenship rights for the children of foreign nationals who are in the US without authorization or on non-immigrant visas, or it will end them altogether.

Next, the justices will calendar a session to hear the case between the administration and claimants, which comprise parents who are immigrants and their infants.

A Constitutional Cornerstone

For over a century and a half, the Constitutional amendment has codified the rule that all individuals born in the nation is a US citizen, with certain exclusions for children born to foreign 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 disputed executive order sought to withhold citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US illegally or are in the country on short-term status.

The United States is one of about 30 countries – primarily in the Western Hemisphere – that provide immediate citizenship to all those born within their borders.