The nation's highest court agrees to review legal challenge challenging birthright citizenship.

US Supreme Court

The top court has agreed to take on a pivotal case that questions a historic constitutional right: birthright citizenship for individuals born on American soil.

On the inaugural day in office this January, the President enacted a directive aiming to halt birthright citizenship, but the move was struck down by the judiciary after constitutional questions were brought forward.

The Supreme Court's eventual judgment will ultimately uphold citizenship rights for the offspring of migrants who are in the US illegally or on short-term permits, or it will nullify the provision altogether.

Next, the court will calendar a session to hear the case between the administration and the suing parties, which involve parents who are immigrants and their infants.

The 14th Amendment

For nearly 160 years, the Fourteenth Amendment has enshrined the doctrine that all individuals born in the country is a citizen, with specific conditions for children born to diplomats and personnel of occupying armies.

"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 deny citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US illegally or are in the country on short-term status.

The United States belongs to a group of about a minority of states – mostly in the Americas – that award instant citizenship to any person born within their borders.

Debra Briggs
Debra Briggs

A passionate photographer and educator with over a decade of experience in capturing life's moments through the lens.