The nation's highest court has agreed to take on a landmark case that puts to the test a historic guarantee: automatic citizenship for people born within US borders.
On day one in office this winter, the administration enacted a directive aiming to terminate the policy, but the move was struck down by the judiciary after lawsuits were brought forward.
The Supreme Court's ultimate decision will ultimately support citizenship rights for the offspring of immigrants who are in the US illegally or on temporary visas, or it will overturn the provision completely.
Next, the court will set a time to hear the case between the government and claimants, which involve parents who are immigrants and their newborns.
For more than 150 years, the 14th Amendment has codified the doctrine that anyone born in the country is a US citizen, with specific conditions for children born to foreign diplomats and personnel of occupying armies.
"Anyone born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."
The contested directive sought to refuse citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US without legal status or are in the country on temporary visas.
The United States belongs to a group of about a minority of states – largely in the Western Hemisphere – that award instant citizenship to all those born in their territory.
A seasoned financial analyst and writer passionate about empowering others through clear, actionable advice on money and life.