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A cool thing happened in Brentwood on Wednesday. Twenty-eight immigrants from 13 countries, during a ceremony held in observance of Presidents Day, were sworn in as citizens of the United States.

The nation of origin among the guests of honor ranged from A to V(Algeria to Vietnam). They were a diverse group with a common thread they see, in the United States, opportunity and ideology that is lost on some Americans these days. Thats not the cool thing either.

Heres the cool thing:Not one word of pointed partisan politics was spoken.

Well, OK, maybe one politico strayed from the feel-good for a moment or two. But well excuse birthday boy George Washington, who was channeled to the gathering bystate Assemblyman Jim Frazier,D-Oakley.

President Washington once said, America is open not only to receive the opulent and respectable stranger but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions, Frazier read. He emphasized the idea that citizenship is not about race, religion or national origin but rather our character as a country.

Thechildlike joy of new Americans receiving their citizenship certificates was in stark contrast to the wild televised scenes from airports thrown into chaos by the immigration ban. There was no bitter point-counterpoint regarding our countrys history as an inclusive melting point and the perceived need to lock down our borders. I know because Iasked.

I dont want to go into politics, said Cicily Joseph, born in India and now living in Pittsburg with her husband and four sons. But I think there are rules we go by and legal stuff that you have to do. I think it should be done the same way it is now, to welcome immigrants.

Joseph, a nurse, is struck by the diversity of her patients.

Im glad I ended up in California, she said. Im free to practice my religion and to raise my family with more opportunities and with a broader outlook on life. I see patients from every country almost. I really love their stories. And I dont think Ill find that anywhere else in the world.

Orlando Martinez Quezada and wife Wendy Villalta both became naturalized citizens Wednesday. Natives of El Salvador, they met in this country. They live in Martinez with their three children.

Our plan from the beginning was to stay, Martinez Quezada said. Were all happy that we have stability today. Thats what we were looking for.

They may be among the newest U.S. citizens, but their ethic, hopes and dreams are universal. Villalta has worked for Wal-Mart for 12 years. Martinez Quezada is the manager of a McDonalds restaurant.

Always, Im focused on my family, Martinez Quezada said. When I wake up every day, I see the sun on all their faces and I say, This is a good day to work hard for them.'

And about the current climate of bans and deportations?

Thats hard to talk about, Martinez Quezada said. I think were in a country of free democracy. We have an election to choose wholl govern our country. We have to have a winner. We have to be with him. If we wish bad things for him, were all affected. I dont share some of his ideas, but I wish he can do the best.

Ever been to a swearing-in ceremony? You should add it to your to-do list. Tolook the naturalization process in the eye is to see nothing less than democracy in action. And if George Washington is to be believed, thats what makes us, us.

More here:
Immigrants become citizens, illustrating democracy at work - East Bay Times