The nation's highest court agrees to review case questioning automatic citizenship for those born in the US.
The nation's highest court has decided to review a significant case that puts to the test a century-old guarantee: birthright citizenship for people born on American soil.
On day one in office this January, the President enacted a directive aiming to end this practice, but the order was subsequently blocked by lower courts after constitutional questions were brought forward.
The Supreme Court's final decision will ultimately affirm citizenship rights for the offspring of foreign nationals who are in the US without authorization or on short-term permits, or it will overturn them altogether.
Next, the court will schedule a date to hear arguments between the government and the suing parties, which involve immigrant parents and their newborns.
A Constitutional Cornerstone
For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has codified the rule that all individuals born in the country is a American citizen, with certain exclusions for children born to embassy personnel and personnel of occupying armies.
"Anyone born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."
The challenged directive sought to withhold citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US without legal status or are in the country on short-term status.
The United States belongs to a group of about 30 countries – primarily in the Americas – that provide instant citizenship to any person born on their soil.
