Sessions says Obama now 'Emperor of the United States

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) said Wednesday that President Barack Obama is now emperor of the United States, as he is about to impose changes to immigration law unilaterally.

"President Obama previously said he could not issue an executive amnesty because 'I'm the president of the United States, I'm not the emperor of the United States. My job is to execute laws that are passed,' " Sessions said.

"Well, apparently we now have an 'Emperor of the United States,' " he added. "President Obama's immigration order would provide illegal immigrants with the exact benefits Congress has repeatedly rejected: Social Security numbers, photo IDs and work permits—which will allow them to now take jobs directly from struggling Americans in every occupation. Congress must not allow this unconstitutional action."

The White House said Wednesday it would announce Obama's executive action on immigration on Thursday and Friday, which drew immediate Republican criticism as an attempt to go around Congress.

Sessions said Obama's pending move means Congress should pass a government funding bill that includes language to defund Obama's immigration move.

"Congress should fund the government while ensuring that no funds can be spent on this unlawful purpose," he said.