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

The nation's highest court has will hear a pivotal case that puts to the test a historic guarantee: birthright citizenship for individuals born in the United States.

On day one in office this winter, the administration issued an executive order aiming to halt this practice, but the order was struck down by federal courts after lawsuits were brought forward.

The Supreme Court's final judgment will either support citizenship rights for the offspring of migrants who are in the US illegally or on temporary visas, or it will overturn the provision entirely.

Next, the court will calendar a session to hear the case between the federal government and plaintiffs, which include foreign-born parents and their infants.

The Legal Foundation

For over a century and a half, the Constitutional amendment has codified the principle that all individuals born in the nation is a American citizen, with specific conditions 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 contested executive order sought to withhold citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US in violation of immigration law or are in the country on non-permanent visas.

The United States is among about three dozen nations – primarily in the North and South America – that grant immediate citizenship to anyone born in their territory.