Horse Racing Industry Urges Immigration Reform Amid Labor Crisis

Industry leaders and trainers at Churchill Downs are urging immediate immigration reform, emphasizing that immigrant workers are vital to the horse racing industry, particularly during high-profile events like the Kentucky Derby. Around 78% of backstretch workers and over 70% of jockeys are immigrants, many of whom face heightened fear and stress due to ongoing deportation threats and the complexities of the current visa system under the Trump administration. Business leaders and equine officials expressed concerns about the economic impact of labor shortages and the need for a streamlined legal process to protect both temporary and permanent immigrant workers. They voiced support for creating legal pathways for law-abiding workers and are seeking collaboration with Congress and the White House to develop commonsense reforms. Advocates highlighted that without these workers, the horse racing industry—and events like the Derby—could not function. Calls for reform reflect a broader push to protect immigrant labor across multiple American industries.