http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/12/ ... 293840187/

U.S. News
Report: Illegal racetrack workers in Ariz.
Published: Dec. 31, 2010 at 7:03 PM

PHOENIX, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A report by an Arizona state ombudsman accuses the Racing Department of selective enforcement of immigration laws and visa rules for racetrack workers.

The investigation began with a complaint from a trainer at Yavapai Downs in Prescott, The Arizona Republic reported Friday. When his horse came in second in a race, the trainer charged the winner should be disqualified because its trainer had an H-2B visa that allows only temporary employment. A federal law tightening rules for holders of H-2B visas was adopted in 2007. In 2008, Tom Metzen of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association warned Yavapai Downs could close because foreign workers were being forced out. Ombudsman Patrick Shannahan said the Racing Board has failed to enforce the rules, giving licenses to people who are not eligible because of their immigration status. Lonny Powell, the racing board's executive director, acknowledged the one trainer had been given a license wrongly but denied there is a widespread problem.