Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had blunt words for America’s immigration crisis during a segment on ABC’s “The View” this week. The actor and Republican politician didn’t mince words when it came to how immigrants—especially illegal immigrants—should conduct themselves in the United States. In short, they need to act like respectful guests in someone else’s home.
“All of this is happening because we don’t have immigration reform,” Schwarzenegger said, slamming both political parties for failing to act. He criticized Democrats and Republicans alike for putting partisan games over national interest. “Democrats and Republicans have to come together and solve this issue if they really want to be public servants,” he said. “If they want to be party servants, and be party hacks, and be tied to their ideology, then it won’t happen.”
Schwarzenegger’s comments come amid escalating chaos at the southern border, increased illegal immigration, and a wave of crimes tied to foreign nationals, including members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. His call for legal immigration and personal responsibility was a sharp contrast to the left’s usual narrative of victimhood and entitlement.
“The key thing is that we’ve got to do things legally,” he emphasized. “That is the most important thing.” He then gave a memorable analogy: “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, make my bed, and do the right thing.”
He didn’t stop there. Schwarzenegger warned against criminal behavior from illegal aliens, pointing out that bad actors aren’t just hurting themselves—they’re hurting everyone. “Committing a crime, or being abusive, that doesn’t really work in this country,” he said. In other words, if you come here and break the law, expect to be held accountable.
But Schwarzenegger didn’t just stop at criticizing illegal immigrants. He also laid down a challenge for all immigrants—legal or otherwise—to give back to the country that took them in. “You have a responsibility as an immigrant to give back to America and to pay back to America,” he declared. He urged newcomers to volunteer in their communities, contribute to after-school programs, help with events like the Special Olympics, and in general do what they can to improve American society.
That statement alone flies in the face of the progressive narrative that America somehow owes immigrants everything while asking nothing in return. Schwarzenegger’s call for civic duty and assimilation stands in stark contrast to those who demand open borders and benefits without strings attached.
It’s not the first time Schwarzenegger has taken a bold stance. As a legal immigrant himself—arriving from Austria with little more than a dream—he represents the kind of success story that used to be celebrated in America. But in today’s climate, voicing any opinion that encourages assimilation and personal accountability is seen as controversial.
Still, Schwarzenegger remains unapologetic. And he’s got a point. The U.S. is not a free-for-all zone. It’s a nation of laws, and those laws mean something. The unchecked surge of illegal immigration, gang violence, and social unrest is a direct consequence of leaders who refuse to enforce those laws.
Schwarzenegger’s words are a wake-up call. America is a generous nation—but it’s not a doormat. Immigrants who want to live here should contribute, obey the law, and respect the country that gave them the opportunity. As the former governor put it plainly: “Behave like a guest.” That’s not hate. That’s common sense.
