FREMONT - Organizers of a campaign that emphasizes unity and strengthening communities are spreading their message in a Nebraska city that's been embroiled in debate over illegal immigration.

The "Nebraska Is Home" campaign launched Saturday in Fremont with organizers pledging they won't delve into policy and say they just want residents to get to know their neighbors.

"Nebraska Is Home is a positive community campaign that seeks to promote Fremont's unity and strength," said Kristin Ostrom, who helps lead the local group. "We are doing that neighbor to neighbor."

More than two dozen supporters gathered for the unveiling of a billboard that shows people of different ethnic backgrounds on a picnic.

The campaign previously launched in Grand Island, Crete, Schuyler and Seward. The campaign recognizes the contributions of immigrants and uses posters and billboards to spread messages of shared values among diverse groups.

The campaign's state coordinator, Vanessa Martinez with the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest, said she hopes eventually to involve more cities in the campaign.

The issue of illegal immigration has stirred debate in Fremont, a city of 25,000 that's seen marked demographic changes primarily because of Hispanic work forces at meatpacking plants.

Last summer, the Fremont City Council considered and rejected a proposal that would ban hiring, renting to and harboring illegal immigrants.

Three residents then collected enough signatures to force a special election on the measure, but city officials turned to a court arguing that enacting the ordinance could make the city vulnerable to lawsuits, primarily because the federal government maintains authority on immigration law.

Earlier this year, a judge ruled the city couldn't stand in the way of the election. The city appealed and the case is now pending with the state Court of Appeals.

While the basis for forming the group stemmed from the debate, Ostrom said the local campaign is not about making policy decisions.

Instead, organizers say it's about getting to know neighbors.

"The reason I'm here is I believe there is a lot more to people than just where they come from," said Gabby Ayala, who's also helping lead the campaign. "Sometimes people are confused because they're not sure what to expect from people from other countries."