US Supreme Court has decided to hear case questioning birthright citizenship.

The top court has agreed to take on a significant case that questions a longstanding principle: guaranteed citizenship for those born on American soil.

On the inaugural day in office this January, the administration enacted a directive aiming to end birthright citizenship, but the move was subsequently blocked by federal courts after legal challenges were filed.

The Supreme Court's ultimate judgment will ultimately support citizenship rights for the offspring of immigrants who are in the US illegally or on short-term permits, or it will end them entirely.

Next, the judges will set a time to hear arguments between the government and plaintiffs, which comprise immigrant parents and their young children.

The Legal Foundation

For nearly 160 years, the 14th Amendment has established the rule that all individuals born in the nation is a citizen, with specific conditions for children born to diplomats and members of foreign military forces.

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

The contested directive sought to withhold citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US illegally or are in the country on non-permanent visas.

The United States is among about three dozen nations – mostly in the Western Hemisphere – that award immediate citizenship to any person born in their territory.