The nation's highest court will hear case questioning birthright citizenship.

The top court has will hear a significant case that challenges a historic principle: guaranteed citizenship for individuals born within US borders.

On his first day in office this January, the administration issued an executive order aiming to halt the policy, but the order was struck down by federal courts after constitutional questions were initiated.

The Supreme Court's final judgment will either support citizenship rights for the children of immigrants who are in the US undocumented or on short-term permits, or it will nullify them completely.

Next, the judges will calendar a session to hear the case between the government and the suing parties, which comprise immigrant parents and their infants.

A Constitutional Cornerstone

For over a century and a half, the Constitutional amendment has codified the rule that anyone born in the country is a citizen, with specific conditions for children born to foreign 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 disputed directive sought to withhold citizenship to the children of people who are either in the US illegally or are in the country on temporary visas.

The United States belongs to a group of about 30 countries – primarily in the North and South America – that grant immediate citizenship to anyone born in their territory.