America's top judicial body will consider lawsuit challenging automatic citizenship for those born in the US.

Supreme Court building

The top court has decided to review a significant case that questions a longstanding guarantee: birthright citizenship for individuals born on American soil.

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

The Supreme Court's final ruling will either uphold citizenship rights for the infants of migrants who are in the US undocumented or on temporary visas, or it will overturn those rights completely.

Next, the judges will set a time to hear arguments between the government and claimants, which comprise immigrant parents and their newborns.

The Legal Foundation

For more than 150 years, the 14th Amendment has enshrined the principle that all individuals born in the country is a US citizen, with specific conditions for children born to diplomats and members of foreign military forces.

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

The challenged executive order 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 three dozen nations – mostly in the North and South America – that provide automatic citizenship to anyone born in their territory.

Ashley Mcgee
Ashley Mcgee

Lena is a mindfulness coach and writer passionate about helping others find clarity and purpose through practical advice and reflective practices.