Immigration Nerds

Beyond Borders: Why Cultural Exchange Still Matters

Beyond the headlines about the workforce and the economy lies a visa category designed for something deeper: human connection. In this episode, Immigration Nerds host Lauren Clarke explores the J-1 Cultural Exchange Program with Lisa Murray, Director of the Exchange Program at the American Immigration Council. From camp counselors to research scholars, the J-1 brings thousands of cultural ambassadors to American communities each year. These visitors are not in the US to fill permanent jobs, but to build bridges of understanding that transcend borders. Lisa shares her own teenage exchange experience and explains why these temporary programs matter now more than ever, challenging misconceptions while revealing how cultural diplomacy creates ripple effects that strengthen communities and international relationships for decades to come. GUEST:  Lisa Murray, Director, Exchange Program | American Immigration Council HOST: Lauren Clarke NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor PRODUCER: Adam Belmar Resource Links: American Immigration Council [https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/compliance-j1-exchange-visitor-program-is-overseen-and-enforced/] US Exchange Visitor Visa [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html]

Perfect Storm: H-2A Visas, Government Shutdown, and the Fight to Feed America

American farms are in crisis. The federal government shutdown froze H-2A visa processing right when farmers need to prepare for planting season. At the same time, major changes to how farm worker wages are calculated are making everything more complicated. Immigration Nerds host Lauren Clarke talks with immigration attorney and agricultural labor expert L.J. D'Arrigo about what's happening to the farms that grow our food. As immigration enforcement ramps up and legal pathways get more complex, find out what's really at stake for American agriculture and the workers who feed our nation. GUEST: L.J. D’Arrigo, Partner, Harris Beach Murtha HOST: Lauren Clarke NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor PRODUCER: Adam Belmar Resource Links: Bloomberg: Agricultural Employers Rack Up Seasonal Worker Wins Under Trump: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/agricultural-employers-rack-up-seasonal-worker-wins-under-trump [https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/agricultural-employers-rack-up-seasonal-worker-wins-under-trump] USCIS: H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers [https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers]

"The Day I Realized I Was An Immigrant"

In this powerful episode of Immigration Nerds, host Lauren Clarke speaks with Hendrika de Vries, author of the new book "Open Turns," about her remarkable journey from surviving World War II in occupied Amsterdam to becoming a champion swimmer and finding her identity as a 13-year-old immigrant in 1950s Australia. At 87, Henny shares how her family's decision to immigrate was driven by post-war economic hardship in the Netherlands, and how she initially experienced immigration as a loss of freedom and identity—arriving at an immigrant camp where new arrivals were told they would only ever be "new Australians," never simply Australians. Swimming became Henny's pathway to belonging, offering both athletic achievement and a space where she could transcend the immigrant label. She discusses the complex family dynamics that emerged when she learned English while her mother did not, suddenly becoming her mother's interpreter despite their traditional roles. Throughout, Henny emphasizes themes of resilience, gratitude, and the importance of sharing immigrant stories as acts of resistance against both victimization and demonization. Drawing on her later career as a family therapist, Henny reflects on how major life turning points—what she calls "open turns"—reveal our true character and strength, making immigrant experiences valuable lessons for navigating all of life's challenges. Resource Links: Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Australian [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Open-Turns/Hendrika-de-Vries/9781647429508] Guest: Hendrika de Vries, Author of "Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Australian [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Open-Turns/Hendrika-de-Vries/9781647429508]" Host: Lauren Clarke News Nerd: Rob Taylor Producer: Adam Belmar Interview Record: Wednesday, 9/17/25 @ 3:00 PM ET NEWS NERD Record: 10/13/25 @ 10 AM ET

H-1B Proclamation & Changes Special Report

In this special episode of the Immigration Nerds Podcast, we break down what President Trump's H-1B proclamation means for employers and employees. Host Lauren Clarke and EIG partner Alejandra Zapatero explain who's actually affected, whether current H-1B holders can travel safely, and what employers should do now. We address the looming legal challenges, the uncertain future of the H-1B lottery, and provide practical guidance for F-1 students and startups navigating tough choices. If you're navigating the H-1B visa right now, this episode tells you what you need to know. GUESTS: Alejandra Zapatero, EIG PARTNER HOST: Lauren Clarke PRODUCER: Adam Belmar INTERVIEW RECORD: Monday, September 29, 2025 @ 4:30 PM ET

The Beautiful Game Meets Border Security: FIFA World Cup 2026

Can America's immigration system handle the 2026 FIFA World Cup? With 3 million daily travelers expected and visa wait times stretching hundreds of days in key countries, we're facing unprecedented challenges. Ryan Propis from the US Travel Association joins us to discuss what needs to happen now - from expanding visa waiver programs to deploying AI-powered screening technology. This isn't just about soccer; it's about America's ability to welcome the world while maintaining security. This is our first episode in an ongoing series, looking forward to the FIFA World Cup 2026. GUEST:  Ryan Propis, VP of Security and Facilitation, US Travel [https://www.ustravel.org/profile/ryan-propis] HOST: Lauren Clarke NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor PRODUCER: Adam Belmar Resource Links: * Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel Report [https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/Commission-on-Seamless-and-Secure-Travel-Report.pdf] * FIFA World Cup 26: Host countries, cities, dates, teams, tickets, qualifying and more [https://www.fifa.com/EN/TOURNAMENTS/MENS/WORLDCUP/CANADAMEXICOUSA2026/ARTICLES/FIFA-WORLD-CUP-2026-HOSTS-CITIES-DATES-USA-MEXICO-CANADA]