Devadatta Gandhi

Devadatta Gandhi is an immigration lawyer and policy professional with broad experience in federal law, public policy, and client service. His career has centered on immigration issues, legislative work, and practical legal support for people, families, businesses, and communities. He has worked in private immigration practice, government service, and national policy leadership. Through these roles, he has helped shape legal discussions, guide complex policy matters, and support fairer systems for people affected by immigration laws and public decisions nationwide. He is now the senior director of Immigration Policy at the Center for American Progress.

Mr. Gandhi earned a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, building the legal foundation for his immigration and policy career. He also earned an M.A. in Political Science from Illinois State University and a B.A. in Politics from Willamette University. These degrees gave him training in law, government, research, and public policy. His education helped prepare him to review complex legal issues, explain policy choices clearly, and work with lawmakers, attorneys, advocates, and community groups on matters that affect many people.

Mr. Gandhi began his legal career as an immigration attorney, representing individuals and businesses in cases that required careful attention and clear advice. He later worked as a federal legislative analyst for Native American tribes, where he supported policy work connected to community needs and government relations. His early roles helped people by turning legal and policy questions into practical steps. They also gave him strong experience with client concerns, public systems, and the real impact of laws on communities nationwide.

Devadatta Gandhi later served on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for more than seven years, focusing on immigration policy. He worked as a legal fellow, legislative correspondent, associate counsel, counsel, and chief counsel for immigration. In these roles, he helped develop, review, and advance important immigration priorities at the federal level. His work supported efforts to improve policy, protect rights, and address problems facing immigrants, employers, families, and communities across the United States through informed legal judgment and leadership.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Director, Immigration Policy, Center for American Progress
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• University of Michigan Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Illinois State University
  MA in Political Science
• Willamette University
  BA in Politics

Awards & Badges