The Florida Thoroughbred Riders Association plans to hold a meeting next week in Gulfstream Park to inform trainers and riders about the new state immigration law.
The law, effective July 1, requires business owners with 25 or more employees to use the electronic E-Verify system to confirm the immigration status of new employees. It also means businesses are subject to fines and penalties if they employ undocumented workers.
For example, sending an undocumented worker across state boundaries and into Florida could result in a state felony. Horse transport trainers will need to take note of that.
Riders are concerned about how the law could affect Florida’s racetracks, training facilities and ranch.
FTHA interim president Joe Orseno said: “We know the law, and we actually had an attorney come talk to the coaches at Gulfstream and Palm Meadows to help us learn about the law because no one really did. understand it”. who added the Gulfstream meeting will take place late Wednesday morning.
Orseno said he had heard “rumors” that some Palm Meadows workers had left out of fear that the law would affect them.
“The way I understand it reading the bill is that the people who have been with me are grandfathers and part of 25. If there are more than 25, then all new people will obviously have to get through the loopholes and all things will continue,” Orseno said.
George Isaacs, general manager at Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, said his business already uses E-Verify. However, he heard the new law has affected other farms in the area.
Florida Florida Immigration Law Florida Purebred Breeders and Owners Association Florida Thoroughbred Riders Association George Isaacs Immigration Law Joe Orseno Lonny Powell Purebred breeding Purebred racing Southeast Region
