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OSLO, Norway (AP) — The Norwegian Supreme Court has upheld a ruling refusing asylum to two children who have lived most of their lives in Norway, a decision that may potentially affect hundreds of children in a similar situation.

Friday's ruling focused on a 9-year-old Iranian boy who has been living in Norway with his family for the last seven years and a 10-year-old girl who was born in Norway but was sent to Bosnia with her Bosnian parents earlier this year.

Both families were denied asylum after a lengthy appeals process, but lodged separate claims for their children arguing that Norway was their homeland. The decision sets a precedent that could affect hundreds of children in asylum-seeking families who have spent years in Norway as the bureaucracy processes their claims.