The nation's highest court agrees to review legal challenge disputing citizenship by birth.

Supreme Court building

The nation's highest court has will hear a pivotal case that challenges a historic constitutional right: guaranteed citizenship for individuals born on American soil.

On his first day in office this winter, the administration enacted a directive aiming to terminate the policy, but the action was subsequently blocked by the judiciary after lawsuits were brought forward.

The Supreme Court's ultimate ruling will either support citizenship rights for the offspring of immigrants who are in the US without authorization or on short-term permits, or it will end the provision entirely.

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

The Legal Foundation

For nearly 160 years, the Fourteenth Amendment has codified the principle that every person born in the nation is a citizen, with exceptions for children born to embassy personnel and personnel 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 presidential order sought to refuse citizenship to the offspring of people who are either in the US in violation of immigration law or are in the country on short-term status.

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

Elizabeth Alvarez
Elizabeth Alvarez

Elara is a seasoned strategist with over a decade of experience in corporate leadership and military tactics.