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

The US Supreme Court has will hear a significant case that challenges a century-old principle: automatic citizenship for those born within US borders.

On day one in office this winter, the administration signed an order aiming to halt birthright citizenship, but the action was halted by federal courts after lawsuits were filed.

The Supreme Court's final judgment will ultimately affirm citizenship rights for the offspring of foreign nationals who are in the US illegally or on short-term permits, or it will overturn the provision completely.

Next, the justices will set a time to hear oral arguments between the administration and the suing parties, which involve parents who are immigrants and their young children.

The 14th Amendment

For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has enshrined the principle that every person born in the country is a US citizen, with exceptions for children born to diplomats and members of invading forces.

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

The challenged directive sought to refuse citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US illegally or are in the country on temporary visas.

The United States belongs to a group of about three dozen nations – largely in the North and South America – that provide automatic citizenship to any person born in their territory.