US Supreme Court will review legal challenge disputing citizenship by birth.

The nation's highest court has will hear a pivotal case that questions a longstanding constitutional right: guaranteed citizenship for those born within US borders.

On the inaugural day in office this January, the administration signed an order aiming to end this practice, but the move was struck down by federal courts after lawsuits were brought forward.

The Supreme Court's ultimate judgment will ultimately affirm citizenship rights for the children of immigrants who are in the US illegally or on short-term permits, or it will overturn them altogether.

Next, the court will calendar a session to hear oral arguments between the administration and plaintiffs, which include foreign-born parents and their young children.

A Constitutional Cornerstone

For more than 150 years, the 14th Amendment has established the rule that every person born in the country is a American citizen, with certain exclusions for children born to diplomats and personnel of occupying armies.

"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 withhold citizenship to the children of people who are whether in the US without legal status or are in the country on temporary visas.

The United States belongs to a group of about a minority of states – largely in the North and South America – that provide instant citizenship to any person born within their borders.