In Tucson, a refugee father's Christmas wish granted [Video]
December 25, 2012 By
The IRC
Last Wednesday in Tucson, a refugee family was reunited after 13 years through the International Rescue Committee's assistance. Video from local NBC affiliate KVOA.
Tilihun Liben was taken from his wife and, then-infant son in 1999. After years as a political prisoner in Ethiopia and a refugee in Kenya, he started a new life in the United States in March, 2010.
A year ago he finally got word they were okay, still living in Ethiopia. The IRC helped him file the necessary paperwork, and work with the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration, so that they could join him in Tucson.
"This is my gift for me, a Christmas gift", said a beaming Liben at the airport, with his family by his side at last.
"I don't need any Christmas trees, my wife and son are my Christmas gift."
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