NTRA: Trump comments indicate possible reform on immigration

Posted: March 2, 2017

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association said there could be movement on immigration given comments made by President Trump Feb. 28 during his address to a joint session of Congress.

Trump indicated some willingness to consider comprehensive immigration reform, which the NTRA believes is the best way to address the racing and breeding industry’s need for foreign nationals to fill jobs under temporary visa programs. The H2B Visa Program wasn’t extended during the last session of Congress.

The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and its lobbyists are actively engaged in the effort, THA Chairman Alan Foreman said.

“I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation’s security, and to restore respect for our laws,” Trump said in his address to the Senate and House of Representatives.

The NTRA on March 1 said its legislative team is actively seeking to “secure a seat at the table to make sure that if there is serious engagement on immigration reform, our industry is represented and protected.”