Childhood and Education Journey of Marco Rubio in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Marco Rubio. From birth to education, explore key events.

Marco Rubio is an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat currently serving as the 72nd United States Secretary of State since 2025. He is a member of the Republican Party and also holds the roles of acting national security advisor and acting archivist of the United States.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1956: Grandfather Immigrated to the U.S.

In 1956, Marco Rubio's maternal grandfather, Pedro Victor Garcia, legally immigrated to the U.S.

1959: Grandfather Returned to Cuba

In 1959, Pedro Victor Garcia returned to Cuba to find work.

1961: Mother's Trip to Cuba

In 1961, Rubio's mother made a month-long return trip to Cuba.

1962: Grandfather Fled Cuba

In 1962, Pedro Victor Garcia fled communist Cuba and returned to the U.S. without a visa and was detained.

1966: Grandfather's Residency Approved

In 1966, Pedro Victor Garcia reapplied for permanent resident status after the Cuban Adjustment Act passed, and his residency was approved.

May 28, 1971: Marco Rubio's Birth

On May 28, 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio was born. He is now an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat.

1971: Marco Rubio's Birth

In 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio was born in Miami, Florida.

1975: Parents Naturalized

In 1975, Marco Rubio's parents were naturalized as U.S. citizens.

1984: First Communion

In 1984, Rubio received his first communion as a Catholic.

1989: Graduated High School

In 1989, Rubio graduated from South Miami Senior High School.

1993: Graduated University of Florida

In 1993, Rubio earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Florida.

1996: Graduated Law School

In 1996, Rubio received his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law.

1998: Married Jeanette Dousdebes

In 1998, Rubio married Jeanette Dousdebes in a Catholic church.

2003: Supported the invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Rubio voiced his support for the invasion of Iraq.

2008: Rubio Begins Teaching at FIU

In 2008, after leaving the Florida Legislature, Rubio began teaching at Florida International University (FIU) as an adjunct professor.

2010: House Shared by Rubio and Rivera Goes Into Foreclosure

In 2010, a house in Tallahassee co-owned by Rubio and David Rivera went into foreclosure after missed mortgage payments. Rubio assumed responsibility for the payments, and the house was eventually sold.

2011: Rubio Rejoins FIU Faculty

In 2011, after entering the U.S. Senate, Rubio rejoined the FIU faculty, teaching undergraduate courses on Florida politics, political parties, and legislative politics.

2012: Paid Off Student Loans

In 2012, Rubio paid off $100,000 in student loans.

November 2015: Called for No Syrian Refugees after Paris Terrorist Attacks

In November 2015, following the Paris terrorist attacks, Rubio stated that the U.S. should not accept any more Syrian refugees due to the inability to conduct background checks.

March 2016: Opposed Obama's Supreme Court Nomination

In March 2016, Rubio opposed President Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, citing the proximity to the end of Obama's term.

2016: Harshly Criticized Donald Trump

During the Republican primaries in the 2016 presidential election, Rubio and Donald Trump harshly criticized each other.

2016: Condemned Turkey's Crackdown on Dissent

In 2016, Rubio condemned Turkey's wide-ranging crackdown on dissent following a failed coup attempt.

February 2018: Defended Accepting NRA Contributions at CNN Town Hall

At a February 2018 CNN town hall event after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Rubio defended his record of accepting contributions from the National Rifle Association (NRA).

March 2018: Defended Trump Administration's Decision to Add Citizenship Question to Census

In March 2018, Rubio defended the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census.

July 2018: Offered Amendment to Force Disclosure of Real Estate Owners

In July 2018, Rubio offered an amendment to a major congressional spending bill to potentially force companies that purchase real estate in cash to disclose their owners as "an attempt to root out criminals who use illicit funds and anonymous shell companies to buy homes".

August 28, 2018: Urged U.S. to impose sanctions against Chinese officials

On August 28, 2018, Rubio, along with 16 other members of Congress, urged the U.S. to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act against Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang.

2018: Reversed climate change position

In 2018, Rubio reversed his previous position on climate change, acknowledging that humans contribute to an increase in greenhouse gases and that sea levels are rising at a measurable rate.

April 2020: Lost Supreme Court Attempt to Stop Obamacare

In April 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 8–1 to defeat Rubio's attempt to stop Obamacare.

September 2020: Applauded Trump's Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett

In September 2020, Rubio applauded Trump's nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death.

2020: Sanctioned by China

In 2020, China sanctioned Rubio and banned him from traveling to the country due to his support for Hong Kong's democracy movement.

2020: Joined Climate Solutions Caucus

In 2020, Rubio joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.

2020: Defended Adding Citizenship Question to Census

In March 2018, Rubio defended the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census.

February 2022: Condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, Rubio condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

2022: Condemned holding the 2022 Winter Olympics in China

In 2022, Rubio condemned holding the 2022 Winter Olympics in China due to its "evil, genocidal regime". He also stated that he would "work to ensure that the Olympics are never hosted in the People's Republic of China again".

March 2023: Voiced support for revoking China's trade relations status

In March 2023, Rubio voiced his support for revoking China's permanent normal trade relations status.

2023: Hamas 100 percent to blame for Palestinian casualties in Gaza

In 2023, Rubio said Hamas was "100 percent to blame" for Palestinian casualties in Gaza.

November 2024: Stated War in Ukraine Had Reached Stalemate

In November 2024, Rubio called Ukrainians "incredibly brave and strong", but said the war in Ukraine had reached a "stalemate" and "needs to be brought to a conclusion" to avoid further casualties.