US Supreme Court has decided to consider legal challenge disputing citizenship by birth.

The top court has decided to review a significant case that questions a century-old constitutional right: automatic citizenship for those born on American soil.

On his first day in office this January, the administration signed an order aiming to end this practice, but the move was halted by lower courts after lawsuits were filed.

The Supreme Court's final ruling will either uphold citizenship rights for the offspring of migrants who are in the US illegally or on non-immigrant visas, or it will nullify them entirely.

Next, the judges will schedule a date to hear arguments between the administration and plaintiffs, which comprise parents who are immigrants and their young children.

The Legal Foundation

For over a century and a half, the Constitutional amendment has codified the principle that anyone born in the country is a citizen, with specific conditions for children born to foreign diplomats and personnel 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 disputed directive sought to withhold citizenship to the offspring of people who are either in the US without legal status or are in the country on short-term status.

The United States is among about 30 countries – largely in the North and South America – that award immediate citizenship to anyone born within their borders.