Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has stirred debate after stating that immigrants in the United States should “behave like a guest” and contribute positively to their communities.

Speaking during an appearance on The View, Schwarzenegger shared his views on immigration, emphasizing the importance of lawful entry and responsible conduct for newcomers to the U.S.

“When you come to America, you’re a guest, and you have to behave like a guest,” the former governor said. “That means keeping things clean, not committing crimes, and giving something back to the community.”

Schwarzenegger also urged immigrants to volunteer and help uplift society through public service, citing after-school programs and the Special Olympics as examples.

His comments prompted mixed reactions from the show’s hosts. Co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin pushed back, noting that most immigrants already follow the law and statistically commit fewer crimes than native-born Americans.

“Ninety percent of the people who come here are trying to do the right thing,” Goldberg said, defending the contributions of immigrant communities across the U.S.

Schwarzenegger, who immigrated from Austria in the 1960s, also called for bipartisan immigration reform, encouraging both Democrats and Republicans to develop legal pathways for immigration.

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The remarks come amid renewed debate over U.S. border policy, deportations, and immigration reform. Schwarzenegger’s perspective reflects both his personal experience as an immigrant and his tenure in public office during a time of shifting political attitudes toward immigration.