America's top judicial body will consider case disputing automatic citizenship for those born in the US.

The nation's highest court has will hear a significant case that puts to the test a historic constitutional right: guaranteed citizenship for those born within US borders.

On day one in office this January, the President issued an executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship, but the move was struck down by federal courts after legal challenges were initiated.

The Supreme Court's eventual decision will either affirm citizenship rights for the offspring of immigrants who are in the US without authorization or on non-immigrant visas, or it will nullify the provision completely.

Next, the justices will schedule a date to hear the case between the administration and plaintiffs, which comprise immigrant parents and their infants.

A Constitutional Cornerstone

For over a century and a half, the Fourteenth Amendment has enshrined the rule that every person born in the United States is a citizen, with specific conditions for children born to diplomats and members 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 deny citizenship to the offspring of people who are either in the US without legal status or are in the country on temporary visas.

The United States belongs to a group of about 30 countries – primarily in the Americas – that provide instant citizenship to anyone born in their territory.