Ep. 6 - Hiring Legally, Growing Locally

Want a clear view of how legal immigration actually works on the ground? We sit down with former U.S. diplomat Dana Deree, now president of Arkansas Global Connect, to unpack the real mechanics of visas, from consular interviews and security checks to the seasonal programs that keep farms, resorts, and food plants open. Dana explains how officers weigh eligibility, why ties to home matter for tourist and work visas, and how multi-agency databases and in-person interviews filter out misuse without shutting the door to legitimate travelers.

We dig into H2A (agriculture) and H2B (nonagricultural seasonal) visas, breaking down what’s capped, what’s not, and why prevailing wage rules protect local pay instead of driving it down. If you’ve wondered whether these programs take jobs from Americans, the process proves otherwise: qualified U.S. workers get priority before any foreign worker travels. The bigger issue is scale, demand outstrips supply, leaving employers in lotteries and scrambling to plan. Dana shares the practical fixes that would help immediately, including expanding H2B numbers, guaranteeing returning-worker allocations, and giving compliant employers multi-year Department of Labor certifications instead of forcing them through the same paperwork every season.

We also tackle security head-on. From rigorous vetting to employer reporting, accountability doesn’t end at the airport. Ethical recruiting and a 97% retention rate show how following the rules becomes the incentive, come legally, work well, return next season. The result is a system that aligns what businesses need with what communities expect: open doors for lawful travel and firm guardrails against abuse. If you care about border security, local wages, or simply keeping your operation staffed, this conversation offers a grounded path forward.

If this helped clarify the immigration noise, subscribe, share with a friend who hires seasonally, and leave a review with your biggest question for a future episode.