# @princetonspia on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/B5MAsYgBx1d
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20742529-princetonspia-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/e2b0fd14e1.jpg
- **Posted:** 2019-11-23T00:22:39.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Princeton SPIA (@princetonspia) — https://gondola.cc/princetonspia

## Caption

#WooWho: “Both of my parents emigrated from Haiti. When I was 10, my mom became a U.S. citizen and I accompanied her to her naturalization ceremony. I remember the unbridled joy and pride that everyone in the room felt that day. Unfortunately, the policies coming out of Washington today are changing the rules about who can become American. In this hyper-partisan political environment, we need to make the case that protecting and welcoming immigrants is in everyone’s benefit. This philosophy has guided my career. Before coming to the Woo, I helped lead the state and local team at NewAmericanEconomy, which took me all over the country, including places like Tulsa and Salt Lake City — cities that don’t jump off the page as ground zero for the immigration debate. These cities haven’t had a long history of immigration, so the conversation is still very new. I worked with mayors and business leaders in these conservative states to create more inclusive local policies. Previously, I worked for the NYCimmigrants in my hometown, where I directed a free citizenship program, #NYCitizenship, through the public library system. This work is not about doing something ‘special’ for immigrants; it’s about removing the specific barriers that make it difficult for them to integrate and succeed. During my time in city government, I had the privilege of working with Maribel Hernandez Rivera MPA/JD ’10, who led me to wilsonschool. I see my MPP year as an opportunity for reflection. I’m here to learn how to be a better organizer and advocate on behalf of my immigrant neighbors and other vulnerable communities. My parents were able to realize their American Dream, and I’m a direct product of that. Everyone who works hard and makes sacrifices to get to the U.S. should get the same opportunity to be American — to feel comfortable and welcome in their community, and to realize their potential. When that’s the case, everyone wins, and that’s the driving force behind the work I do.” – Rich Andre MPP ’20 randre3000 (Photo by eganjimenez) #Princetagram * #WooWho is a Wilson_School Instagram series featuring our community. Want to be featured? Comment or DM us.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 111
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

princetagram, nycitizenship, woowho

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