Kennedy Center Honors recipient member of the band KISS, Gene Simmons poses on the red carpet for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 7, 2025. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
(Los Angeles, California) – KISS co-founder Gene Simmons praised America and defended legal immigration in blunt remarks about citizenship, national loyalty and respect for the country.
Simmons said he came to the United States the lawful way, waited in line, respected the rules and became a citizen. He also used profanity while saying people who do not like America should leave.
The comments place Simmons squarely in the middle of the immigration debate, where supporters of stricter rules often point to legal immigrants as proof that the system should reward patience and compliance.
Critics are likely to argue that his language was too harsh, especially in a political climate where immigration rhetoric can quickly turn personal. Supporters will see the remarks as a direct defense of the country and the legal path to citizenship.
Simmons has long spoken about his immigrant background and his appreciation for the opportunities he found in the United States. This time, he delivered that message with the kind of blunt edge that ensures the comments will travel far beyond music fans.
