America's top judicial body has decided to review case challenging automatic citizenship for those born in the US.

The top court has will hear a significant case that puts to the test a historic constitutional right: birthright citizenship for those born on American soil.

On the inaugural day in office this winter, the administration issued an executive order aiming to end this practice, but the move was subsequently blocked by federal courts after lawsuits were brought forward.

The Supreme Court's eventual ruling will ultimately uphold citizenship rights for the offspring of migrants who are in the US undocumented or on short-term permits, or it will overturn them altogether.

Next, the judges will calendar a session to hear the case between the government and the suing parties, which involve foreign-born parents and their young children.

The 14th Amendment

For more than 150 years, the 14th Amendment has codified the principle that every person born in the country is a citizen, with certain exclusions for children born to foreign diplomats and members of invading forces.

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

The challenged directive sought to refuse citizenship to the children of people who are either in the US illegally or are in the country on non-permanent visas.

The United States is among about three dozen nations – primarily in the North and South America – that provide immediate citizenship to any person born within their borders.