The American Horse Council has issued an advisory concerning immigration legislation passed in December by the U.S. House of Representatives that could have negative implications for the horse industry.

According to the AHC, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005″ (H.R. 4437), introduced by Rep. James Sensenbrenner, “focuses mainly on an enforcement first approach to immigration and foreign workers in an effort to tighten our borders and implement strict enforcement policies against illegal immigrants and American employers responsible for hiring them.

“Many employers in the horse industry see comprehensive immigration/guest worker reform as a way to legitimize their workforce and meet their labor demands,” the AHC release continued. “The enforcement-only approach taken by the House of Representatives could have severe adverse affects on the horse industry and those local communities dependent upon their business.”

“The American Horse Council supports border security, but we are concerned the ‘enforcement first’ approach adopted by the House may overwhelm the attempt at needed, broader immigration reform,” said Jay Hickey, President of the American Horse Council. “If this bill became law, it would place heavy fines and penalties on employers who do not comply, but would not deal with the difficult compliance issues now in effect