About Us
We have the legal experience to understand your immigration case as a whole and the compassion to work with you as an individual.
MANAGING PARTNER AND SENIOR ATTORNEY
Bruce Godzina is the Managing Partner at Godzina Law Firm, bringing nearly 22 years of distinguished experience to the table. As a seasoned attorney, he possesses the knowledge and capability to provide comprehensive representation for all types of immigration cases. His passion lies in assisting families and individuals to achieve the best possible outcomes for their immigrant and nonimmigrant cases. Being the son of immigrants himself, Bruce deeply understands the challenges clients face in the US immigration system. Over the years, Bruce has successfully helped thousands of clients obtain visas, permanent residence, and citizenship.
Bruce’s expertise spans a wide range of immigration matters, including visa petitions for extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, multinational employees, managers and executives, and national interest waivers. He is adept at assisting clients with labor certification (PERM) applications under the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Additionally, Bruce has guided investors through the EB-5 visa process, whether as a stand-alone investment or as part of a Regional Center. His extensive experience also includes working with small to medium-sized corporations and higher education institutions on various immigration issues.
With specialized knowledge of I-9 compliance, Bruce collaborates closely with Human Resource personnel during recruitment and hiring, performs I-9 audits for employers, and advises corporations on a range of worksite immigration enforcement issues.Bruce has represented clients before the US Supreme Court, federal courts (4th and 5th circuits), Immigration Agencies, Immigration Courts, and the Bureau of Immigration Appeals (BIA) in a wide array of immigration cases, including Removal Defense, Adjustment of Status, Asylum, and Naturalization.
Bruce’s academic background is equally impressive. He attended law school at the University of Houston, where he became heavily involved in the Immigration Clinic founded by former Immigration Judge Joe Vail. He also completed comparative law studies at Oxford University in the United Kingdom, McGill University in Canada, and the University of Kragujevac in Serbia. Additionally, Bruce holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Notre Dame, further enhancing his ability to navigate complex financial aspects of immigration law.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce is an avid drummer. He loves to play drums in his free time and has been actively involved with the Law Rocks Foundation. For the past few years, he has sponsored and performed in shows organized by the foundation, whose mission is to promote music education for underprivileged youth and raise funds for local nonprofit organizations by combining the power of music and the generosity of the global legal community.
PARTNER AND SENIOR ATTORNEY
David N. Strange holds a B.A. from the Texas Tech University, a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, and an LL.M. from the Georgetown University Law Center. Mr. Strange also has a Diploma in Russian from the Defense Language Institute / Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California, a Certificate of Advanced Spanish from the Instituto Bíblico Nacional de Venezuela, and a Core Certificate from the Harvard Business School.
Mr. Strange is Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Strange has taught at the Texas Tech University School of Law since 2008, and he regularly teaches Immigration Law and Advanced Immigration Law courses.
A sample of Mr. Strange’s legal scholarship includes The Waiver of Inadmissibility Pursuant to Section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act: A Case Study, 41 Tex. Tech L. Rev. Addendum 49 (2009), Immigration 101 for Criminal-Defense attorneys, Texas attorney, February 22, 2010, The Power of Padilla, Texas attorney, December 20, 2010, Immigration Law: 2010-2011 Fifth Circuit Case Law Update (with Arslanbek Umarov), 44 Tex. Tech L. Rev. 701 (2012), Why Arizona Senate Bill 1070 is Constitutional and Not Preempted by Federal Law (with Calvin Lewis and Michael Blake Downey) 89 U. Det. Mercy L. Rev. 283 (2012), A Conservative and Compassionate Approach to Immigration Reform (with Alberto Gonzales), Texas Tech University Press (2014), and Basics of Immigration Law for Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys (updated and edited with Zelda Howell), Texas Criminal Defense attorneys Association, 6th Edition (2019).
- Board Certified – Immigration and Nationality Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Adjunct Professor of Law – Texas Tech University School of Law
PRACTICE AREAS
- U.S. Immigration and Nationality Law
- Criminal and Family Law
SENIOR ATTORNEY
Thiru Sethuraman is a seasoned legal professional with 28 years of experience in legal, regulatory, and consulting roles. His expertise spans various areas, including Immigration Law, Data Privacy Law, Anti- Money Laundering Law, Anti-Corruption Law, Contracts Law, Corporate Compliance Law, and Investigations.
At Godzina Law Firm, Thiru provides comprehensive advice on business immigration matters. His services include guidance on immigration compliance (I-9), enforcement matters, onboarding international talent, assisting entrepreneurs, and developing strategies for temporary and permanent immigration visas, including labor certification (PERM). Specifically, he has helped clients with employment-based immigrant visas (EB1, EB2 NIW, EB3, and EB5) and nonimmigrant visas (H1B, L1A, L1B, E1, E2, TN, P, and O). Thiru has successfully worked across different cultures, industries, corporations, functions, and geographic regions, including Asia, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Europe.
His educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Information Systems, an MBA in Finance and Accounting, an MS in Industrial Technology from Purdue University, and a JD from Indiana University School of Law. Thiru was admitted to the Indiana State Bar in 2007 and holds certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and more.
As a native of Malaysia, Thiru is deeply passionate about helping clients worldwide achieve their immigration goals. His firsthand experience as an immigrant informs his understanding of the challenges clients face within the complex US immigration system. Thiru firmly believes that a robust immigration system contributes significantly to the nation’s success.
Outside of work, Thiru enjoys spiritual music, practices yoga and meditation, and loves cooking vegetarian meals. His wanderlust has taken him to over 30 countries across five continents
ATTORNEY
Emily Benítez is a licensed attorney in both Mexico and the United States, certified by the State Bar of Texas.
Born and raised in the beautiful port city of Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. She pursued her higher education at Anahuac University in Mexico City, one of the country’s most prestigious institutions, where she earned her law degree. Her academic journey was distinguished by her dedication and passion for understanding the intricacies of legal systems, both in Mexico and internationally. She furthered her education with a master’s degree in US Law from the University of Houston Law Center.
Emily has a profound interest in practicing immigration law in the United States. She is deeply committed to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of the immigration system, advocating for their rights, and providing the support they need to achieve their dreams.
Her extensive background and education have equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a significant impact in the field of immigration law. Emily’s dedication to justice and her desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others are the driving forces behind her professional aspirations. She looks forward to contributing to the legal community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrants in the United States.
Languages:
- English
- Spanish
STAFF
Our staff provides invaluable support to our legal team by assisting with many responsibilities. Their dedication to organization and efficiency ensures the smooth operation of our practice.
MANAGING PARTNER AND SENIOR ATTORNEY
Bruce Godzina is the Managing Partner at Godzina Law Firm, bringing nearly 22 years of distinguished experience to the table. As a seasoned attorney, he possesses the knowledge and capability to provide comprehensive representation for all types of immigration cases. His passion lies in assisting families and individuals to achieve the best possible outcomes for their immigrant and nonimmigrant cases. Being the son of immigrants himself, Bruce deeply understands the challenges clients face in the US immigration system. Over the years, Bruce has successfully helped thousands of clients obtain visas, permanent residence, and citizenship.
Bruce’s expertise spans a wide range of immigration matters, including visa petitions for extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, multinational employees, managers and executives, and national interest waivers. He is adept at assisting clients with labor certification (PERM) applications under the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Additionally, Bruce has guided investors through the EB-5 visa process, whether as a stand-alone investment or as part of a Regional Center. His extensive experience also includes working with small to medium-sized corporations and higher education institutions on various immigration issues.
With specialized knowledge of I-9 compliance, Bruce collaborates closely with Human Resource personnel during recruitment and hiring, performs I-9 audits for employers, and advises corporations on a range of worksite immigration enforcement issues.Bruce has represented clients before the US Supreme Court, federal courts (4th and 5th circuits), Immigration Agencies, Immigration Courts, and the Bureau of Immigration Appeals (BIA) in a wide array of immigration cases, including Removal Defense, Adjustment of Status, Asylum, and Naturalization.
Bruce’s academic background is equally impressive. He attended law school at the University of Houston, where he became heavily involved in the Immigration Clinic founded by former Immigration Judge Joe Vail. He also completed comparative law studies at Oxford University in the United Kingdom, McGill University in Canada, and the University of Kragujevac in Serbia. Additionally, Bruce holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Notre Dame, further enhancing his ability to navigate complex financial aspects of immigration law.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce is an avid drummer. He loves to play drums in his free time and has been actively involved with the Law Rocks Foundation. For the past few years, he has sponsored and performed in shows organized by the foundation, whose mission is to promote music education for underprivileged youth and raise funds for local nonprofit organizations by combining the power of music and the generosity of the global legal community.
PARTNER AND SENIOR ATTORNEY
David N. Strange holds a B.A. from the Texas Tech University, a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, and an LL.M. from the Georgetown University Law Center. Mr. Strange also has a Diploma in Russian from the Defense Language Institute / Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California, a Certificate of Advanced Spanish from the Instituto Bíblico Nacional de Venezuela, and a Core Certificate from the Harvard Business School.
Mr. Strange is Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Strange has taught at the Texas Tech University School of Law since 2008, and he regularly teaches Immigration Law and Advanced Immigration Law courses.
A sample of Mr. Strange’s legal scholarship includes The Waiver of Inadmissibility Pursuant to Section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act: A Case Study, 41 Tex. Tech L. Rev. Addendum 49 (2009), Immigration 101 for Criminal-Defense attorneys, Texas attorney, February 22, 2010, The Power of Padilla, Texas attorney, December 20, 2010, Immigration Law: 2010-2011 Fifth Circuit Case Law Update (with Arslanbek Umarov), 44 Tex. Tech L. Rev. 701 (2012), Why Arizona Senate Bill 1070 is Constitutional and Not Preempted by Federal Law (with Calvin Lewis and Michael Blake Downey) 89 U. Det. Mercy L. Rev. 283 (2012), A Conservative and Compassionate Approach to Immigration Reform (with Alberto Gonzales), Texas Tech University Press (2014), and Basics of Immigration Law for Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys (updated and edited with Zelda Howell), Texas Criminal Defense attorneys Association, 6th Edition (2019).
- Board Certified – Immigration and Nationality Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Adjunct Professor of Law – Texas Tech University School of Law
PRACTICE AREAS
- U.S. Immigration and Nationality Law
- Criminal and Family Law
SENIOR ATTORNEY
Thiru Sethuraman is a seasoned legal professional with 28 years of experience in legal, regulatory, and consulting roles. His expertise spans various areas, including Immigration Law, Data Privacy Law, Anti- Money Laundering Law, Anti-Corruption Law, Contracts Law, Corporate Compliance Law, and Investigations.
At Godzina Law Firm, Thiru provides comprehensive advice on business immigration matters. His services include guidance on immigration compliance (I-9), enforcement matters, onboarding international talent, assisting entrepreneurs, and developing strategies for temporary and permanent immigration visas, including labor certification (PERM). Specifically, he has helped clients with employment-based immigrant visas (EB1, EB2 NIW, EB3, and EB5) and nonimmigrant visas (H1B, L1A, L1B, E1, E2, TN, P, and O). Thiru has successfully worked across different cultures, industries, corporations, functions, and geographic regions, including Asia, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Europe.
His educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Information Systems, an MBA in Finance and Accounting, an MS in Industrial Technology from Purdue University, and a JD from Indiana University School of Law. Thiru was admitted to the Indiana State Bar in 2007 and holds certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and more.
As a native of Malaysia, Thiru is deeply passionate about helping clients worldwide achieve their immigration goals. His firsthand experience as an immigrant informs his understanding of the challenges clients face within the complex US immigration system. Thiru firmly believes that a robust immigration system contributes significantly to the nation’s success.
Outside of work, Thiru enjoys spiritual music, practices yoga and meditation, and loves cooking vegetarian meals. His wanderlust has taken him to over 30 countries across five continents
ATTORNEY
Emily Benítez is a licensed attorney in both Mexico and the United States, certified by the State Bar of Texas.
Born and raised in the beautiful port city of Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. She pursued her higher education at Anahuac University in Mexico City, one of the country’s most prestigious institutions, where she earned her law degree. Her academic journey was distinguished by her dedication and passion for understanding the intricacies of legal systems, both in Mexico and internationally. She furthered her education with a master’s degree in US Law from the University of Houston Law Center.
Emily has a profound interest in practicing immigration law in the United States. She is deeply committed to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of the immigration system, advocating for their rights, and providing the support they need to achieve their dreams.
Her extensive background and education have equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a significant impact in the field of immigration law. Emily’s dedication to justice and her desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others are the driving forces behind her professional aspirations. She looks forward to contributing to the legal community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrants in the United States.
Languages:
- English
- Spanish
STAFF
Our staff provides invaluable support to our legal team by assisting with many responsibilities. Their dedication to organization and efficiency ensures the smooth operation of our practice.
Vision
Our vision is to help our clients remove all immigration-related obstacles so they will have a fair chance to pursue their immigrant or non-immigrant objectives in the United States of America.
Mission
Our mission is to provide our clients with high-quality and value-added legal services at affordable rates.
Core Values
- To be honest, trustworthy, respectful, and ethical in our actions.
- To honor our commitments and to be accountable for our actions, successes, and failures.
- To deliver outstanding results throughout the course of client representation.
- To educate our clients on the rights afforded to and duty expected of them.
- To create a supportive environment for employees to grow and excel in their careers.
Vision
Our vision is to help our clients remove all immigration-related obstacles so they will have a fair chance to pursue their immigrant or non-immigrant objectives in the United States of America.
Mission
Our mission is to provide our clients with high-quality and value-added legal services at affordable rates.
Core Values
- To be honest, trustworthy, respectful, and ethical in our actions.
- To honor our commitments and to be accountable for our actions, successes, and failures.
- To deliver outstanding results throughout the course of client representation.
- To educate our clients on the rights afforded to and duty expected of them.
- To create a supportive environment for employees to grow and excel in their careers.