The horse racing industry in the U.S. is heavily reliant on migrant workers, with estimates suggesting that 78% to 90% of backstretch employees are immigrants. This workforce is crucial for the industry’s operations, as employers often pay well to attract skilled labor, which is in short supply among U.S.-born workers. Migrants not only contribute significantly to the workforce but also help generate substantial economic value, with the industry reportedly generating $177 billion for the American economy.

However, many of these workers face precarious legal situations, as a significant portion is undocumented. The Trump administration’s immigration policies have raised concerns about potential deportations, prompting industry insiders to advocate for enhanced legal protections. While some workers hold temporary visas, the cap on H-2B visas for seasonal labor complicates their ability to secure stable employment and legal status.

Efforts are underway to create a legal pathway for these workers, with recent regulatory changes allowing H-2B workers with pending green card applications to apply for permanent residency without jeopardizing their visa status. Despite these developments, the demand for labor in horse racing continues to outpace the available visas, highlighting the need for a more sustainable immigration solution to ensure a consistent workforce in the industry.