Arnie blames poor English for immigration gaff

Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger has blamed his broken English for enraging politicians and millions of Americans by urging the US to shut out immigrants.

The Austrian-born actor turned politician sparked uproar when he slammed the "lax situation" concerning immigrants crossing the border, suggesting the US should "close all the borders in California and all across - within Mexico and the United States".

But the star is now furiously backtracking, claiming his poor command of English as an excuse for his provocative speech.

He said: "Yesterday was a total screw-up in the words I used. Instead of closing, I meant securing. I think maybe my English, I need to go back to school and study a little bit."

But not everyone is convinced. Phil Angelides, state treasurer and a Democratic candidate said: "The governor knows what he is saying. He knows what his words mean."