Sessions calls on members to oppose border bill that doesn't stop Obama's amnesty plan

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) on Monday called on members of the House and Senate to vote down any border supplemental bill that doesn't include language blocking President Barack Obama from extending an amnesty and work permit program for millions of illegal immigrants.

"I'm calling on all members of Congress today to stand up to these lawless actions and sponsor legislate that will block them," Sessions said on the Senate floor Monday. "I'm calling on all members of Congress today to oppose any border supplemental that does not include such language."

Sessions has issued warnings to Congress almost every day about the need to block what some reports say is Obama's pending plan for amnesty. Still, the House was working on a border bill early this week that is not expected to include language dealing with Obama's possible plan.

Sessions said current law prohibits people from hiring anyone who is in the country illegally, and said if reports are right, Obama is planning to override that law through executive action.

"Current law is plain — those who enter this great nation by unlawful means or overstay their visa are subject to removal and are ineligible to work," he said. "The president's actions are astonishing, and are taking our nation into exceedingly dangerous waters."

"Such calculated action strains the constitutional structure of our republic," he said. "Such unlawful and unconstitutional action, if taken, cannot stand."

Sessions called on Obama to pull back from his plan that would not only violate the law, but would be opposed by most Americans.

"Mr. President, such actions would be wrong," he said. "It would be an affront to the people of this country which they will never forget. It would be a permanent stain on your presidency. I urge you to make clear that you will not do this."

He also said Obama should not be trying to intimidate Congress by threatening executive action.

"That is wrong, sir," he said. "You cannot intimidate Congress or the American people who sent them here, for that matter.

"Simply put, that which you desire is beyond your lawful reach."