America's top judicial body will review lawsuit disputing birthright citizenship.

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

On day one in office this January, the President enacted a directive aiming to halt birthright citizenship, but the move was struck down by the judiciary after legal challenges were filed.

The Supreme Court's ultimate judgment will ultimately affirm citizenship rights for the children of migrants who are in the US without authorization or on temporary visas, or it will overturn those rights entirely.

Next, the judges will calendar a session to hear arguments between the federal government and the suing parties, which involve immigrant parents and their infants.

A Constitutional Cornerstone

For over a century and a half, the Fourteenth Amendment has enshrined the principle that anyone born in the nation is a American citizen, with certain exclusions for children born to diplomats and members of invading forces.

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

The challenged directive sought to withhold citizenship to the children of people who are either in the US illegally or are in the country on temporary visas.

The United States is one of about 30 countries – largely in the Western Hemisphere – that provide instant citizenship to all those born within their borders.