Comprehensive immigration reform proposals are being circulated on Capitol Hill and the future of the H-2B visa program may be impacted during the process. In the horse racing industry, trainers regularly utilize the H-2B visa program to hire stable help.
The H-2B program also is utilized by employers in numerous other industries with temporary, non-agricultural positions that they are unable to fill with local workers. Examples of such industries include forestry, resort/hospitality, landscaping and seafood processing. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, as a member of the H-2B Workforce Coalition, is working with these and other industries to preserve and protect the H-2B visa program during the comprehensive immigration reform process.
Earlier this week, the H-2B Coalition held a briefing in Washington, D.C. that featured speakers from various industries and employers that use the program. The standing room-only crowd included at least 52 Congressional staff members who heard impassioned speeches about the importance of the H-2B program. The briefing was followed by a nationwide teleconference to update Coalition members on plans to advocate for continuation and improvement of the H-2B program.
Visit www.SupportHorseRacing.org for updates on the H-2B visa program.