Employers in the horse-racing industry heavily rely on workers with H-2B visas, with many immigrants working as trainers, groomers, and jockeys. The Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies are causing uncertainty for employers as they prepare for the upcoming racing season. The industry is concerned about the availability of visas for next year, as the annual cap of 66,000 H-2B visas has already been reached.
The horse racing industry is built on the hard work of immigrant workers who come to the U.S. on H-2B visas, with Mexico being the top country for visa holders. Employers are closely monitoring changes in immigration policies and enforcement trends to secure a consistent workforce. Trainers at Laurel Park are already feeling the impact of visa availability for next season, with fears that the industry will be hurt if workers are unable to return.
Racehorse trainers like Ferris Allen emphasize the importance of immigrant workers to the industry, with concerns about the complex visa process and the legal status of workers’ associates. Employers are hopeful that they will be able to bring in more workers for the upcoming racing season, but uncertainty remains due to the changing immigration landscape. The horse racing industry is facing challenges in staffing needs as they navigate the implications of stricter immigration policies.
