He reflected on his journey, from arriving in the country at 21 with nothing to building a successful career. “I mean, imagine they came over here at the age of 21 with absolutely nothing, and then to create a career like that. I mean, in no other country in the world could you do that, every single thing if it’s my bodybuilding career, if it’s my acting career, becoming governor, the beautiful family that has created all of this is because of America.”
He expressed his pride in being an American and an immigrant, highlighting the importance of following legal pathways. When it comes to immigration, Schwarzenegger emphasised the need to behave responsibly and give back to the community. “When you come to America, you’re a guest, and you have to behave like a guest,” he said.“You have to think about giving something back to America.”
Everybody stop and watch this.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, a legal immigrant, successful actor, and former California Governor, just left The View STUNNED.They attempted to get him to condemn ICE raids and what did he do?He credited America for his success, promoted legal… pic.twitter.com/IxtQVcKo6D
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) June 17, 2025
“I just think the world of the great history that we have with immigrants in America, but the key thing also is, at the same time, that we’ve got to do things legally. That is the most important thing.
“You’ve got to do things legal, and those people that are doing illegal things in America, and they’re the foreigners, they are not smart, because, when you come to America, you’re a guest, and you have to behave like a guest, like when I go to someone’s house, and I’m a guest, then I will do everything I can, keep things clean and to make my bed and to do everything that is the right thing to do rather than committing a crime, or being abusive or something like that, so that doesn’t really work in this country,” Schwarzenegger said.
He encouraged immigrants to contribute to their communities through volunteering or other forms of service. “You have a responsibility as an immigrant to give back to America and pay back to America and go and do something for your community for no money whatsoever. Give something back to after-school programs, Special Olympics, or whatever it is, make this a better place,” he added.
The video received several reactions from social media users.
“Thank you, Arnold Schwarzenegger, for speaking the truth. The View is hitting a rough patch. They have had guests not say their prepared talking points. America is open for legal immigrants, not illegals,” a user posted.
“Arnold Schwarzenegger, whatever else you might think of him, is one of the single best stories of an immigrant coming to the US and thriving,” another said.
“The man who once shouted “screw your freedoms?” Hard pass,” the third user posted.
