Schwarzenegger Jokes: I'd be Deported under Arizona Immigration Law

By: Stephanie Condon
Topics: In The News ,; Domestic Issues ,; State Politics

(Credit: AP)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has already expressed his opposition to Arizona's controversial new immigration law, and in a commencement address he gave Monday in Atlanta, he couldn't help but take a crack at the law.

"I was also going to give a graduation speech in Arizona this weekend. But with my accent, I was afraid they would try to deport me," the Republican governor joked in his speech at Emory University.

Arizona's new law, slated to go into effect in July, requires immigrants to carry documents verifying their immigration status. It also requires police officers to question a person about his or her immigration status after a "lawful stop" if there is "reasonable suspicion" that person may be illegally in the country.

The law has prompted protests nationwide, and a number of local lawmakers in California are moving to cut off their economic ties with Arizona.

On NBC's "Tonight Show" last month, Schwarzenegger called the law "a mess."

"I would never do that in California. No way," he said.

The entertainer-turned-politician's Austrian accent is often parodied, and Schwarzenegger has said in the past it is important for immigrants to learn English.

Stephanie Condon
Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
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by ImmigrantSuperHighway May 18, 2010 5:41 PM EDT: That fool govenor would be deported under the laws of his own state if he knew what they were.

California Section 834b is way more stringent than the Arizona SB 1070 Bill in that it DEMANDS documentation.

(1) Attempt to verify the legal status of such person as a citizen of the United States, an alien lawfully admitted as a permanent resident, an alien lawfully admitted for a temporary period of time or as an alien who is present in the United States in violation of immigration laws. The verification process may include, but shall not be limited to, questioning the person regarding his or her date and place of birth, and entry into the United States, and demanding documentation to indicate his or her legal status.; Reply to this comment


by Observer1504 May 18, 2010 8:04 AM EDT: The Governor can make all the cute little jokes he wants about Arizona but not many Californians are laughing. Your state is very close to bankruptcy and your illegals are a huge part of the problem. One day soon the money for all of your social programs simply will not be there. If you think you have problems with the illegals now ..... just wait till the freebies disappear.; Reply to this comment


by rittergirl44 May 17, 2010 11:46 AM EDT: Arnold is an idiot. He ruined CA and now is going to make Arizona out to be the bad guy. If some of those mexicans in CA got out the budget would cut in half, schools, hospitals, foodstamp programs, housing programs, medical and all the rest would literally be cut more than in half considering that 50% of all LA is mexicans and they all utilize these free programs. That is a fact! Anyone against this Arizona bill is not an American. Mexico wouldn't allow us there without asking us for ID so why shouldn't we be allowed to ask them. They are insects like roaches.; Reply to this comment

by muncha1398 May 16, 2010 9:07 PM EDT

This is a real issue, not a joke. we are talking about people who are here illegaly. Are you saying that the Arizona police are unable to make the distinction between legal and illegal. I support the Arizona law and belive in the police to do their jobs. A joke like the one that the govenour said just shows that he does not understand the law.If the state of Californis would enforce imigration laws and stop giving assistance to illegals, then Californis would be able to live here without worring about loosing their jobs, and not being able to get assistance because it was given to an illegal who could not speek english and has 4 small childreen and she is pregnant with another child so that she can stay in the country.Califorians would not have to keep paying higher taxes just to keep illegals in the state. UNITED STATES CITIZENS are required to have identification with them and show it to a peace officer when they are asked, what makes illegals special so they do not have to carry their papers with them and show them when they are asked? I support the Arizona law and hope our state and other states follow their lead.

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by djtom329 May 16, 2010 10:06 PM EDT: "UNITED STATES CITIZENS are required to have identification with them and show it to a peace officer when they are asked."

This is flat wrong.

There was a Supreme Court ruling in 2004 that allows states to make it a crime for someone, who has detained by the police - on reasonable suspicion of having committed a crime - to refuse to identify themselves to the police, by providing their name and address. The ruling says nothing about requiring ID, and unless you count the Arizona law, there are NO laws on the state or federal books that require citizens to carry ID in general. (Of course, you have to have a valid license to drive, and courts have upheld requirements for airline passengers to have IDs.)

Know your rights, and stop spreading misinformation about them.


by jbt2861 May 16, 2010 5:58 PM EDT: Well, actually Arnold, they wouldn't try to deport you *because* you're in the country legally. No ?

What's next, Arnold, a mental health checkup ? Seems the pressure of being Governor is starting to affect your reasoning.; Reply to this comment

by ipost7 May 15, 2010 8:26 PM EDT

I always thought that Arnold was a decent guy, despite his being republican.

Watch the Arizona republicans now. They will walk around like they have boulders between their legs because they can pick on those who can not defend themselves. This makes them feel like REAL men. Sickos!

Boycott The Hate State!

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by Mosihasteen May 19, 2010 11:01 PM EDT: Boycott ipost7 - every comment sounds like it was made by a ten year old - typical liberal.


by museumpiece May 15, 2010 12:51 PM EDT: At least, with Arnold's accent we won't mistakenly elect him president.; Reply to this comment

by Midwest_Ben May 15, 2010 11:41 AM EDT

Lol they need to arrest an illegal, white Canadian lol. "I swear I was a boot to get me green card"

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by Midwest_Ben May 15, 2010 11:44 AM EDT: Although that also means Obama can't go to Arizona anytime soon... lol ok now I'm just trying to get people mad I'm sorry I'm hyper today.