The mood on The View shifted quickly when Arnold Schwarzenegger sat down to chat.
While co-host Joy Behar tried steering the conversation toward a critique of U.S. immigration enforcement, the former California governor had something else in mind—an unexpected, heartfelt take on what it means to be an immigrant in America.
Joy Behar’s Question Sparks a Personal Reflection
Behar opened the topic by asking Arnold, who famously came to the U.S. from Austria, whether he had any strong emotional response to recent ICE operations in Los Angeles.
“You’re an immigrant yourself,” she noted. “Did you have a visceral reaction to what ICE is doing?”
Before she could press further, Schwarzenegger calmly shifted the focus.
Instead of taking the bait for controversy, he decided to reflect on his own journey.
A Proud Immigrant’s Perspective
Arnold responded not with criticism, but with gratitude.
“I’m so proud and happy that the American people embraced me,” he said.
“Nowhere else in the world could I have lived this kind of dream.”
He spoke warmly about how the United States allowed him to achieve success—not just in bodybuilding and acting, but in politics and building a loving family.
As he listed those milestones, the audience broke into applause.
Calling Out Illegal Behavior Without Demonizing Immigrants
Then, with careful phrasing, Schwarzenegger made a distinction.
He praised America as the “greatest country in the world” and urged immigrants to respect the laws and values of their new home.
“When you come to America, you’re a guest,” he explained.
“And you have to behave like a guest.”
He wasn’t vague.
He directly criticized illegal activity among immigrants, calling it “not smart” and counterproductive to the opportunities the country offers.
Good Guests, Grateful Citizens
Using a simple analogy, Arnold said, “If I’m a guest in someone’s house, I’m going to keep it clean and do what’s right—not commit crimes or cause trouble.”
He emphasized that being welcomed into a country should come with a sense of responsibility.
According to him, the best way immigrants can show appreciation is by giving back—volunteering, contributing to their communities, and helping improve the country that welcomed them.
Giving Back as a Duty, Not a Favor
Schwarzenegger’s tone turned almost motivational when he added, “If I get all these opportunities from America—education, work, family—then I owe something in return.”
He encouraged immigrants to view their role not just as recipients, but as contributors.
“You have a responsibility,” he stressed.
“Give back to America. Make this country a better place.”
The studio audience responded with a second wave of applause.
A Bipartisan Push for Real Immigration Reform
Though a longtime Republican, Arnold has often crossed political lines, even casting a vote for Kamala Harris.
He believes meaningful immigration reform can’t happen unless both Democrats and Republicans come together.
“Politicians have to stop playing sides and actually serve the public,” he said, urging unity and action on immigration policy.
Context: Protests, Politics, and Policy Shifts
Schwarzenegger’s message came just as protests flared in LA against ICE raids, part of a larger immigration enforcement surge ordered by Donald Trump.
The operations were meant to target cities led by Democrats, and reports say the actions may lead to the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history.
Things have escalated to the point where the National Guard and Marines were called in to support ICE.
What Lies Ahead?
While protests continue and political divisions grow, Schwarzenegger’s message stood out for its tone: one of responsibility, appreciation, and a call to build rather than divide.
Rather than fueling outrage, he reminded everyone—immigrants and citizens alike—that opportunity comes with obligation.
And in his eyes, America is still worth investing in.