The takedown of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in the face of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling means that same-sex couples may now access federal benefits on the same basis as other married couples – and that agencies throughout the federal government are scrambling to comply with the new ruling.

Attorney Scott McVarish at the Immigration Law Office of Los Angeles, P.C. has a long history fighting for the rights of LGBT individuals and couples. His past work includes successfully defending teachers who were subjected to discrimination based on their sexual orientation. He also litigated against school boards who were attempting to discriminate against their employees based on sexual orientation and forced settlements strengthening those school districts antidiscrimination policies. His work was featured on NBC Dateline.

While the DOMA decision represented a significant victory for the rights of LGBT individuals in the United States, it was a victory won after a long fight. Same-sex couples seeking to maintain employment or secure immigration status for one spouse based on the citizenship or permanent residency of another understand that discrimination has a long history and that its legacies don’t disappear overnight. Having an attorney on your side who has fought for LGBT rights in the past means having an advocate who understands the history of discrimination and its effects in today’s world.

Today, Mr. McVarish focuses on fighting for the rights of same-sex couples to stay in the United States. Securing a green card for a spouse through marriage has numerous benefits, making it a preferred path for many couples. Until recently, discrimination prevented same-sex couples from using this valuable tool – no matter how committed or loving the couple was.
With the end of DOMA, the law must operate for same-sex couples in the same way it has for other couples – but the legacy of discrimination is not over. Work with an attorney who has experience fighting for LGBT rights and is firmly on your side. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.