Gov. Jerry Brown is thrusting himself into the federal fight over creating a "pathway to citizenship" for millions of undocumented immigrants who entered the United States illegally.

"I expect to play a role in the national effort for comprehensive reform," Brown said in a statement released by his office Thursday. "I'll be directing some efforts on national reform."

Brown's personal involvement is significant because California is home to an estimated 2.9 million undocumented immigrants, about one of every four nationwide.

Gil Duran, Brown's spokesman, said the governor will "carry the message to Washington" that comprehensive immigration reform is needed, underscoring its importance to California's economy.

Read more at Sacramento Bee