KISS co-founder Gene Simmons told a Summerfest crowd in Milwaukee that he became an American citizen through the legal immigration process and urged others to do the same.
“I myself am an immigrant, but a legal one,” Simmons said. “You wait in line, you respect the country, you respect its laws, and then you become a citizen of the United States of America.”
Simmons contrasted his own path to citizenship with illegal border crossings. He spoke ahead of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
He also thanked military veterans and first responders, crediting them with protecting the freedoms Americans enjoy.
His remarks spread quickly on social media, drawing praise from supporters and criticism from others as immigration remains one of the most debated issues in the country.