Getting into this country in the first place gets most of the federal spotlight so little attention has been focused on the process of becoming a citizen once you finally get here. But the American Civil Liberties Union says it’s taking too long.

They filed suit in Seattle Federal District Court today, backing four plaintiffs – from Iran, China and Somalia – who say they have been living legally in this country for seven or more years, have completed their citizenship exams, but are on a seemingly unending waiting list for getting their citizenship approved.

The ACLU and other immigrant groups say federal law requires action within 120 days of completing the exam. But the plaintiffs claim they have been waiting years despite clearing previous background checks.