Syrian Refugee Subhi Nahas Has a Message For Republicans

In the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attack in Paris carried out by a group of people affiliated with the so-called Islamic State (also known as IS, ISIS, or Daesh), Republican presidential contenders joined the 31 governors—including one Democrat—calling for a complete shut down of the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the United States.

French President François Hollande, on the other hand, increased his commitment to the hundreds of thousands of Syrians seeking safety in Europe and beyond. Despite the fact that their country was still reeling from the tragedy, the French people were able to recognize that Syrian refugees are fleeing the very same violence that rocked the City of Lights. Newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau similarly amped up his support for Syrian refugees, both in rhetoric and practice, personally welcoming planes in the middle of the night. 

Out100 honoree Subhi Nahas fled rising anti-gay persecution in Syria three years ago, traveling first to Lebanon, then to Turkey, finally making his way to the United States earlier this year. Speaking with Out, he detailed the long process of being granted sanctuary as a refugee, noting that the average processing time is upwards of two years. Speaking with Advocate.com, which has just named him one of its Forty Under 40, Nahas had this simple message for Republican fear-mongers: 

“The hardest way for terrorists to come is through the refugee process."

He says that he was one of the very lucky ones, to have had his application accepted in the space of about eight months. 

To read the full story, visit Advocate.com.