US Supreme Court has decided to review case disputing birthright citizenship.

The top court has decided to review a significant case that puts to the test a historic constitutional right: guaranteed citizenship for individuals born on American soil.

On day one in office this January, the administration issued an executive order aiming to end this practice, but the move was struck down by lower courts after constitutional questions were initiated.

The Supreme Court's eventual decision will either affirm citizenship rights for the infants of migrants who are in the US illegally or on non-immigrant visas, or it will end them entirely.

Next, the judges will set a time to hear arguments between the federal government and claimants, which comprise immigrant parents and their infants.

The 14th Amendment

For more than 150 years, the 14th Amendment has codified the principle that anyone born in the country is a US citizen, with specific conditions for children born to diplomats and personnel 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 directive sought to deny citizenship to the offspring of people who are whether in the US illegally or are in the country on non-permanent visas.

The United States is one of about 30 countries – largely in the North and South America – that award instant citizenship to anyone born on their soil.