US Supreme Court agrees to hear lawsuit challenging automatic citizenship for those born in the US.
The nation's highest court has agreed to take on a significant case that puts to the test a historic constitutional right: guaranteed citizenship for individuals born on American soil.
On the inaugural day in office this January, the President enacted a directive aiming to terminate the policy, but the move was struck down by federal courts after lawsuits were initiated.
The Supreme Court's final decision will ultimately affirm citizenship rights for the infants of immigrants who are in the US undocumented or on short-term permits, or it will end them completely.
Next, the judges will calendar a session to hear the case between the government and plaintiffs, which comprise foreign-born parents and their young children.
The 14th Amendment
For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has codified the doctrine that every person born in the country is a US citizen, with exceptions for children born to foreign diplomats and members of foreign military forces.
"Anyone born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."
The disputed directive 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 short-term status.
The United States is one of about three dozen nations – largely in the Americas – that grant immediate citizenship to all those born within their borders.
