72 miles. It’s the distance between Tucson, Arizona and Nogales, Mexico—and the distance between deported immigrant Anita and her American-born husband and children. 72 Miles to Go… follows one family over a decade as they come of age, fall in love, fight in wars, and fight for each other, against the backdrop of deportation, DACA, and changing immigration laws.
When I feel sad or angry I thank God for giving my children a better life than I had.
Anita
MOTHER
Real people. Real issues.
Explore the character's journey through real-world examples.
Why Leave?
Control
Protect
What would make you leave your home and take a dangerous journey?
Is it ethical to split families with mixed citizenship in the name of immigration control?
What is the impact on migrant communities when cops who protect them become officers who hand them over to ICE?
Civil discourse can pave the way to understanding. Use the prompts below to start a discussion.
Deported parents like Anita rely on shelters and soup kitchens once in Mexico.
Families struggle to build new lives after a parent is deported.
Separation
Flip Side
Marriage to a US citizen is no longer a guaranteed way to prevent deportation.
Friendship Park is a rare spot where separated families have brief moments of connection.
Deported parents like Anita continue to raise their kids from afar.
Distance
A Wall Apart
Marriage
Classroom Activity
Let's explore.
Want to learn more? Examine the themes of the play with active, engaging lessons designed to deepen your students' understanding.
