Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famous bodybuilder turned actor and politician, recently shared his thoughts on immigration in the United States, advocating for a respectful and responsible approach by immigrants.
Speaking on ABC’s The View, Schwarzenegger emphasized the importance of treating America like a guest would treat someone’s home.
His comments shed light on his experiences as an immigrant himself, reflecting both admiration for the country’s immigrant history and a call for legal and moral responsibility.
Schwarzenegger, who was born in Austria and moved to the United States in 1968, spoke candidly about his journey to becoming a U.S. citizen in 1983. He stressed that his personal success story was deeply connected to the opportunities provided by the United States.
According to him, America is a land of possibilities, offering education, jobs, and the chance to build a family. However, Schwarzenegger believes that with these privileges comes the responsibility to respect the nation’s laws and contribute positively to the community.
“I just think the world of the great kind of history that we have with immigrants in America,” said Schwarzenegger, showing his appreciation for the rich legacy of immigrants who have come to the country.
His words reflected a deep respect for the immigrant community, which has long been the backbone of the American workforce and culture. But Schwarzenegger was also quick to point out a key principle: immigrants must respect the country’s laws and contribute to society in a meaningful way.
The actor and former California governor was specifically addressing the issue of illegal immigration, which has been a contentious topic in American politics for many years.
When asked about his thoughts on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, Schwarzenegger made it clear that he did not condone illegal actions by immigrants, regardless of their origin.
“Those people that are doing illegal things in America, and they’re the foreigners, they are not smart,” he remarked. This strong statement highlighted his firm belief in the importance of following the legal pathways for immigration.
Schwarzenegger's metaphor of being a guest in someone else’s home resonated deeply. “When you come to America, you’re a guest, and you have to behave like a guest,” he stated.
This comparison underscored the idea that immigrants should not only respect the laws of their new home but also embrace the customs and values of the country that has welcomed them.
By treating America as a guest would treat a host, immigrants, in Schwarzenegger’s view, must contribute positively to their communities and respect the traditions that have shaped the nation.
As an immigrant himself, Schwarzenegger knows firsthand the value of hard work and perseverance. He recalled his own experiences of arriving in the U.S. with little more than a dream and a passion for bodybuilding.
Over the years, he built an impressive career in Hollywood and eventually ventured into politics, serving as the Governor of California. Schwarzenegger’s story is a testament to the opportunities available to immigrants in America, but he cautioned that such success requires hard work and compliance with the laws of the land.
The actor went further, explaining the importance of giving back to the country that has provided so much. “Immigrants come to the country to use America for the great opportunities that America has in education, in jobs, creating a family, all of those kinds of things,” he said.
However, he added that immigrants must also think about what they can give in return. “If I get all of those things from America, then I have to give something back,” he continued.
Schwarzenegger’s view is rooted in the notion of community and shared responsibility. As he explained, immigrants should not only be beneficiaries of the country’s resources but also active participants in making the country a better place.
He encouraged immigrants to volunteer their time and efforts to causes that benefit society, such as after-school programs or the Special Olympics, stating that contributing to the betterment of the country should be a moral obligation.
"Give something back to after-school programs, Special Olympics, or whatever it is — make this country a better place," Schwarzenegger urged.
This call to action highlighted his belief that giving back is not just about financial contributions but about actively engaging in the community and helping to improve the lives of others.
His words were a reminder that America’s strength lies in the collective efforts of its people, including immigrants who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the table.
While Schwarzenegger’s message was one of respect and responsibility, he also took the opportunity to weigh in on the broader issue of immigration policy in the United States.
Addressing the ongoing debates and demonstrations in California, including mass protests against ICE and President Trump’s controversial remarks, Schwarzenegger emphasized the importance of leadership and collaboration.
He stated, "The most important thing is, when you are in a leadership position like that, is that you are inclusive and that you work together with everybody."
The former governor expressed frustration with the current state of political polarization in the country, calling for greater cooperation between local, state, and federal governments.
"It means that you have to work together with local government, the state government, and the federal government — they have to work together rather than fighting each other," he said.
This statement underscored his belief in finding common ground and working toward solutions that benefit the American people, rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.
Schwarzenegger’s call for a comprehensive immigration reform was aimed at both political parties. He criticized the partisan nature of the immigration debate and urged both Democrats and Republicans to come together to solve the issue.
"Democrats and Republicans have to come together and solve this issue if they really want to be public servants," he stated. He further emphasized that if politicians were motivated by party ideologies rather than the needs of the American people, the country would not make any progress on immigration reform.
In his view, the goal should be to improve the country, lower prices, and enhance the quality of life for all Americans, including immigrants.
"If you want to make this country better, and if you want to improve this country and improve the situation of people’s lives, and bring the prices down and all of this, you will go and serve the people of America," Schwarzenegger concluded. His statement reflected a broader philosophy of public service that prioritizes the well-being of citizens over political gain.
In summary, Schwarzenegger’s remarks on immigration were a thoughtful reflection on the immigrant experience in America, tempered by a sense of duty and responsibility.
While he expressed admiration for the contributions that immigrants have made to the country, he also emphasized the importance of following the law, respecting American values, and giving back to the community.
His message resonated as both a call for respect and a plea for unity in tackling the challenges facing the nation. Schwarzenegger’s words served as a reminder that immigration is not just about receiving benefits but also about making meaningful contributions to the country that has welcomed you.
As the debate over immigration continues to evolve, it is clear that Schwarzenegger’s perspective represents a balanced approach: one that recognizes the value of immigrants while also underscoring the need for responsibility and respect for the rule of law.
His call for a unified approach to immigration reform serves as a valuable guide for policymakers and citizens alike, urging them to work together for the common good.
Through cooperation, understanding, and a commitment to shared values, the United States can continue to be a land of opportunity for all, including those who come to its shores in search of a better life.
