US Supreme Court has decided to hear case questioning birthright citizenship.

The nation's highest court has agreed to take on a landmark case that puts to the test a longstanding principle: birthright citizenship for individuals born in the United States.

On the inaugural day in office this January, the President signed an order aiming to terminate the policy, but the move was struck down by federal courts after constitutional questions were initiated.

The Supreme Court's final decision will ultimately affirm citizenship rights for the infants of immigrants who are in the US without authorization or on temporary visas, or it will nullify them altogether.

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

A Constitutional Cornerstone

For over a century and a half, the 14th Amendment has codified the principle that every person born in the country is a American citizen, with specific conditions for children born to diplomats and personnel of invading forces.

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

The challenged executive order sought to withhold citizenship to the children of people who are whether in the US without legal status or are in the country on non-permanent visas.

The United States belongs to a group of about a minority of states – mostly in the Western Hemisphere – that provide instant citizenship to anyone born on their soil.