America's top judicial body has decided to review case questioning automatic citizenship for those born in the US.

The US Supreme Court has decided to review a pivotal case that questions a century-old constitutional right: guaranteed citizenship for individuals born in the United States.

On day one in office this winter, the administration issued an executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship, but the action was struck down by lower courts after lawsuits were initiated.

The Supreme Court's ultimate ruling will ultimately uphold citizenship rights for the offspring of foreign nationals who are in the US illegally or on temporary visas, or it will nullify them completely.

Next, the justices will schedule a date to hear oral arguments between the federal government and claimants, which comprise parents who are immigrants and their young children.

A Constitutional Cornerstone

For nearly 160 years, the Constitutional amendment has established the principle that anyone born in the United States is a citizen, with exceptions for children born to foreign diplomats and personnel 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 contested executive order sought to withhold citizenship to the children of people who are whether in the US illegally or are in the country on non-permanent visas.

The United States is among about a minority of states – largely in the Western Hemisphere – that award instant citizenship to all those born in their territory.