Arnold Schwarzenegger’s latest appearance on The View sparked a debate on immigration and crime, leaving viewers pondering how America can find common ground.
At a Glance
- Schwarzenegger criticized the US immigration system, calling it “stupid” and suggesting comprehensive reform.
- He urged for bipartisan cooperation and highlighted the importance of legal paths for immigrants.
- The conversation touched on contrasting views from co-hosts Goldberg and Hostin about immigrants and crime.
- Schwarzenegger’s emphasis on legal and reciprocal contributions vs. co-hosts’ empathy for immigrant challenges.
The Core of the Debate
Arnold Schwarzenegger strongly criticized current US immigration policies on a recent episode of The View, stating the system encourages illegal crossings and needs reform. He described the current situation as “stupid” and suggested more secure borders and work visas for asylum seekers as potential solutions. Over 2.8 million migrants have crossed the US-Mexico border this year, highlighting the urgency for action.
The conversation also addressed President Biden’s plan to build 20 miles of border wall in Texas, a move that has sparked mixed reactions. Schwarzenegger stressed the importance of cooperation among local, state, and federal governments, advocating for bipartisan efforts to tackle immigration.
Differing Perspectives
During the discussion, Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin offered contrasting views to Schwarzenegger. They emphasized that most immigrants are law-abiding and highlighted the challenges they face, especially under the Trump administration’s ICE deportation policies. Hostin mentioned that immigrants are statistically less likely to commit crimes than American-born citizens.
“The key thing also is, at the same time, that we have to do things legally. That is the important thing, you know?” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Goldberg pointed out that deportation practices often affect those with legal status, underscoring the need for empathy and understanding of immigrants’ circumstances.
A Vision for Change
Schwarzenegger advocates for comprehensive immigration reform and emphasizes the value of immigrants contributing positively to society. His personal experience as an immigrant who achieved success in America informed his perspective on the issue. He called for more work visas and the removal of criminal elements from the system.
“I think the most important thing is, if you’re in a leadership position like that, is that you’re inclusive and that you work together with everybody. And so it means that you have to work together with the local government, the state government, and the federal government. You have to work together rather than fighting each other.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Schwarzenegger’s challenge remains to ensure both the US government and immigrants adhere to legal processes while maintaining America’s role as the “land of opportunity.”
