Raleigh, N.C. — A recent Elon University Poll cited illegal immigration as one of the top three issues in the race for U.S. Senate between Republican incumbent Elizabeth Dole and Democratic challenger Kay Hagan.

The two candidates have very similar views on the issue, calling for more border enforcement and opposing allowing illegal immigrants to enroll for degrees at North Carolina community colleges.

Dole said she helped get $3 billion in federal funding to secure the borders.

"I've worked with our sheriffs to come up with an enforcement plan where you have illegal immigrants who are committing crimes that they can identify, apprehend and start the deportation process," she said, referring to the 287-G program used in several counties.

Hagan said securing the border is the first priority in dealing with the immigration issue.

"If we don't do that, the number is going to get larger. That's where I want to start. I want to have a comprehensive solution that is put forward once I get up to Washington, where we can have committee meetings and solve this issue," she said.

Hagan criticized Dole's vote against an immigration bill in the Senate.

"My question is why didn't she put forth an amendment," she said.

Dole said the bill offered empty promises.

"The reason why I voted against this broad bill (is) that (it) came up with no amendments permitted. Isn't that amazing? You couldn't do a thing about it," she said.