Are a captive or independent agent?

Are you a captive or independent agent. What advice would you give someone
new in the business trying to decide which one to start their career in and why?

Out of country license

Due to the problem that most states are facing concerning illegal immigrants, they are cracking down on insurance laws. NC no longer offers experience for license that are from another country. This has changed several times over the last decade. Do you think this helps with the problem? Does it have an affect on your agency. How do some agencies or companies get away with offering experience?