The US Supreme Court has decided to review a significant case that questions a historic guarantee: guaranteed citizenship for those born in the United States.
On his first day in office this winter, the President signed an order aiming to end birthright citizenship, but the action was halted by lower courts after legal challenges were brought forward.
The Supreme Court's eventual judgment will ultimately support citizenship rights for the offspring of foreign nationals who are in the US undocumented or on short-term permits, or it will overturn the provision altogether.
Next, the judges will calendar a session to hear oral arguments between the government and the suing parties, which comprise parents who are immigrants and their infants.
For nearly 160 years, the Constitutional amendment has codified the rule that all individuals born in the nation is a American 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 contested executive order sought to withhold 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 three dozen nations – primarily in the Americas – that award immediate citizenship to any person born on their soil.
Elara is a writer and wellness coach passionate about sharing stories that inspire personal transformation and holistic living.