The nation's highest court has decided to review lawsuit disputing citizenship by birth.

The US Supreme Court has will hear a significant case that questions a century-old constitutional right: guaranteed citizenship for those born on American soil.

On the inaugural day in office this winter, President Donald Trump signed an order aiming to end this practice, but the order was struck down by federal courts after lawsuits were initiated.

The Supreme Court's eventual ruling will ultimately uphold citizenship rights for the children of foreign nationals who are in the US illegally or on non-immigrant visas, or it will end them completely.

Next, the judges will calendar a session to hear the case between the administration and claimants, which include immigrant parents and their infants.

A Constitutional Cornerstone

For nearly 160 years, the 14th Amendment has codified the rule that anyone born in the country is a American citizen, with certain exclusions for children born to diplomats and members of invading forces.

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

The contested presidential order sought to refuse citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US illegally or are in the country on temporary visas.

The United States belongs to a group of about 30 countries – largely in the Western Hemisphere – that provide instant citizenship to all those born on their soil.