Amid Trump’s Deportation Plans, New Immigration Pathway Gains Traction

In the high-stakes world of horse racing, a quiet but significant shift is underway as stables increasingly turn to green card sponsorships to retain experienced workers amid evolving immigration policies. 

The trend, amplified by regulatory changes implemented in the final days of the Obama administration, is reshaping the industry's approach to labour, offering stability to immigrant workers and ensuring continuity for trainers who rely on specialised skills. For years, the backbone of the industry has been comprised of foreign workers, largely from countries like Guatemala and Mexico, who often enter the U.S. on H-2B visas, a temporary non-agricultural work permit. 

However, these visas, intended for seasonal labour, presented a challenge for those seeking permanent residency. Immigration regulations required workers to state their intent to stay in the country temporarily, creating uncertainty for those hoping to establish long-term roots. Now, regulatory clarification has altered the landscape, making it possible for these workers to apply for permanent residency without jeopardising their H-2B visa status. 

The change has instilled newfound confidence among employees and employers alike, leading to increased exploration of green card options. Immigration lawyer Keith Pabian, who specialises in H-2B visas, stated that his clients are increasingly opting to apply for green cards now that the risk of visa denial has been minimised.

“Everyone is letting out a collective deep breath right now that the process got a little bit easier," Pabian explained, highlighting the relief within the industry as uncertainty surrounding visa renewals has dissipated.

For trainers, sponsoring a green card represents a strategic investment in their workforce. Though the process, which can extend over several years, requires significant financial commitment—often tens of thousands of dollars—many view the long-term benefits as outweighing the immediate costs. A major concern, is that permanent residency frees workers from employer restrictions, opening opportunities for them to seek employment elsewhere.

Ian Wilkes, a trainer based at Churchill Downs, explains that despite upfront expenses, the long-term advantages of green card sponsorship are clear. "It costs a lot of money for visas, so once you get a green card, it works out in the long run," Wilkes said. His workforce, benefiting from the stability offered by permanent residency, is able to assume additional responsibilities beyond seasonal duties. Trainer Dallas Stewart echoed the sentiment, underscoring the value of retaining skilled workers who play a critical role in the success of his operation. 

"They're good people, man," Stewart said. "They help us hold our game together, so they help us hold my whole business together."

Unlike entry-level positions in other industries, horse grooming and stable maintenance demand specialised expertise cultivated over time. Workers develop a deep understanding of equine care, training regimens, and race preparation, making their long-term employment particularly valuable to trainers. While industry-wide statistics on green card sponsorship remain scarce, anecdotal evidence suggests a growing trend. Immigration lawyers report an increasing number of employers seeking guidance on the process. 

Nataly Mualem, an immigration attorney specialising in workforce visas, says that about a fifth of her clients now consider green card sponsorship. With the H-2B visa program capped at 66,000 annually, the competition for seasonal labour is intensifying, driving trainers to explore alternative routes to secure their workforce. Mualem explains that by having workers as permanent residents, trainers gain additional benefits. 

Despite the current administration's relatively open approach to immigration, uncertainty looms on the horizon. Future political shifts could impact the accessibility of green cards, and legal experts caution that additional restrictions may emerge in the coming years. Even with this uncertainty, trainers and workers remain committed to navigating the process under existing guidelines. 

For many immigrant workers, the possibility of securing a green card represents the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice, and the promise of long-term stability for their families.