America's top judicial body has decided to consider legal challenge questioning citizenship by birth.

Supreme Court building

The top court has will hear a significant case that challenges a century-old guarantee: birthright citizenship for individuals born within US borders.

On his first day in office this winter, the administration issued an executive order aiming to end the policy, but the move was struck down by federal courts after constitutional questions were initiated.

The Supreme Court's final ruling will ultimately affirm citizenship rights for the offspring of foreign nationals who are in the US without authorization or on non-immigrant visas, or it will nullify those rights altogether.

Next, the court will calendar a session to hear oral arguments between the government and plaintiffs, which comprise parents who are immigrants and their infants.

A Constitutional Cornerstone

For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has codified the doctrine that anyone born in the United States is a US citizen, with exceptions for children born to foreign diplomats and personnel of foreign military forces.

"Every individual born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."

The contested directive sought to deny citizenship to the children of people who are either in the US without legal status or are in the country on short-term status.

The United States is among about three dozen nations – primarily in the Western Hemisphere – that provide instant citizenship to any person born within their borders.

Heather Campbell
Heather Campbell

A passionate traveler and writer sharing insights from global journeys and practical lifestyle advice.