Oscar‑winner Richard Gere took the podium in Berlin this week to condemn the United States’ immigration rhetoric and to question Donald Trump’s fitness for office . The actor, known for his long‑standing activism, linked the current debate to his own family’s migration story and called the label “alien” a dehumanizing relic.

Gere’s Berlin address targets the word “alien” and U.S. policy

Speaking to an international audience in Germany, Gere warned that the United States’ continued use of the term “alien” to describe non‑citizens dates back to the Naturalization Act of 1790. He said, “I’m deeply ashamed of this, I want you to know. They belong to another category of human beings, as if their hopes and fears and aspirations were somehow less legitimate than our own.” According to the source,his remarks were meant to highlight how language shapes public perception of migrants.

Family migraatoin narrative tied to the Mayflower

Gere drew a personal parallel by tracing his ancestors’ journey to America to the historic Mayflower voyage. He suggested that the same spirit of seeking a better life is now being denied to modern migrants under current U.S. enforcement. This anecdote was used to underscore the irony of a nation built by immigrants now labeling newcomers as “others.”

Direct attack on Donald Trump, echoing Norway remarks

During the same speech, Gere asked the crowd, “Did you ever imagine that someone as crazy as this would become President of the United States and work to destroy it?” The phrasing mirrors a comment he made earlier in Norway, where he called Trump a “maniac.” The source notes that Gere’s criticism is part of a broader pattern of celebrity pushback against the former president’s immigration agenda .

Historical comparison to Dachau visit

Gere also referenced a recent visit to the Dachau concentration‑camp site, suggesting that the dehumanization of migrants echoes past atrocities. While he did not elaborate on policy specifics, the comparison was intended to porvoke moral reflection on how societies label and treat outsiders.

What concrete policy changes does Gere propose?

The speech left listeners without a clear legislative roadmap. Gere’s remarks raise questions about whether he advocates for specific reforms—such as abolishing the “alien” label in federal law—or merely seeks to shift public sentiment. As the source points out, no actionable proposals were offered, leaving a gap between moral outrage and policy prescription.