Arnold Schwarzenegger just delivered a masterclass in shutting down progressive talking points with class and conviction on a recent episode of "The View."

On the popular daytime show, Schwarzenegger faced a pointed question from host Joy Behar about recent ICE operations in Los Angeles, as reported by the Daily Mail. Her query seemed designed to provoke a negative reaction, but the former governor refused to take the bait.

"You are an immigrant yourself - an immigrant of the country," Behar pressed, clearly fishing for a soundbite against immigration enforcement. Well, nice try, but Schwarzenegger didn’t bite—he pivoted to a powerful defense of America’s opportunities instead.

Schwarzenegger’s Proud Immigrant Perspective Shines

"I'm so proud and happy that I was embraced by the American people like that," Schwarzenegger declared, earning a wave of applause. His gratitude for this nation’s generosity was palpable, a refreshing contrast to the grievance culture often peddled on such platforms.

He went further, emphasizing that nowhere else in the world could someone achieve what he has thanks to America’s unique promise. "All of this is because of America," he said, reminding everyone that opportunity here isn’t a given—it’s a privilege.

But Schwarzenegger didn’t stop at nostalgia; he laid down a firm line on responsibility. He called out those who come to this country and engage in criminal acts, labeling such behavior as "not smart." It’s a blunt but fair point—don’t squander the gift of being here.

Immigrant Duty to Give Back Emphasized

"This is the greatest country in the world, and it is the land of opportunity," Schwarzenegger reiterated, driving home his belief in America’s exceptionalism. He insisted that legality must be the bedrock of any immigrant’s journey here.

"When you come to America, you're a guest," he asserted with clarity. "And you have to behave like a guest." It’s a simple analogy, but it cuts through the noise—respect the house you’ve been invited into.

He likened it to visiting someone’s home, where you’d naturally keep things tidy and act with courtesy. "Rather than committing a crime or being abusive," he added, tying bad behavior to a betrayal of the hospitality extended by this nation.

Call for Community Contribution Resonates

Schwarzenegger’s message to immigrants was both inspiring and direct: seize the opportunities in education, work, and family-building that America offers. But don’t just take—give something back.

"If I get all of those things from America, I have to give something back," he urged, speaking from his own experience as an immigrant who rose to incredible heights. It’s a call to action that flips the entitlement narrative on its head.

He encouraged newcomers to contribute to their communities without expecting payment, to "make this country a better place." Amid applause, it was clear his words struck a chord with the audience, even on a show known for leaning left.

Context of Recent Unrest in LA

Meanwhile, the backdrop to this discussion was tense, with protests over immigration enforcement in Los Angeles escalating into violence last week. These demonstrations, which spread to other cities, saw acts like the torching of an autonomous vehicle, reflecting deep divisions over policy.

On Monday, President Trump ordered a major operation targeting unauthorized migrants in Democratic-led cities, described as the "largest mass deportation in history." This crackdown, following a week of enforcement in LA, intensified the protests and prompted a response of National Guard and Marine deployments.

Schwarzenegger, a known critic of Trump yet a Republican who has avoided sensationalizing immigration debates, called for bipartisan cooperation to address reform. "Democrats and Republicans have to come together and solve [it] if they really want to be public servants," he said, offering a rare voice of reason in a polarized arena.