Some more news
* Ever since so-called Zigler Memo was released, it has been implemented different in different Regions of the DOL. The Region IV (Dallas-Denver Region) cut the tape taking a tough stance on IT cases with an action of either holding processing or remanding cases. The virus recently hit hard in Region VI (San Francisco-Seattle Region) massively remanding IT RIR cases to the state offices. The problem was serious enough affecting U.S. businesses and the DOL HQ reportedly has decided to review the situation. The situation was so serious in California that employers were in fear of filing RIR applications for a while.
* AILA reported a good news. Pending the DOL HQ policy review, the Region VI ceased sending out remands to the state offices.
* Sources indicate that Region V (Chicago-Kansas City Region) which was known to be liberal when it comes to remand issue has begun to sending out remands to the state offices for IT cases. Should this virus spread further, the IT occupations which were one time considered a shortage occupation may de facto turn into hybrid Schedule B occupations of oversupply!? The regional disparity and discrepancy may disappear once the PERM program starts late Fall, but it remains unanswered question as to how this issue will be taken over by the PERM Program administrator in the DOL HQ.