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. As a member of the Republican Party, Rubio is also acting in various other roles including National Security Advisor, Archivist of the United States, and Administrator of USAID.

Sections (5)

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

1956: Grandfather's Immigration to U.S.

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

1956: Parents' Departure from Cuba

In 1956, Marco Rubio's parents left Cuba during the Batista regime.

1956: Parents' Immigration to the U.S.

In 1956, Marco Rubio's parents, Mario Rubio Reina and Oriales (née García) Rubio, immigrated to the United States from Cuba during the regime of Fulgencio Batista.

1959: Grandfather's Return to Cuba

In 1959, Pedro Victor Garcia, Marco Rubio's maternal grandfather, returned to Cuba to find work.

1961: Mother's Return Trip to Cuba

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

1961: Mother's Return to Cuba with Siblings

In 1961, Rubio's mother took his two elder siblings back to Cuba with the intention of living there permanently, but changed plans due to the nation's move toward communism.

1962: Grandfather's Return to U.S. and Detention

In 1962, Pedro Victor Garcia fled communist Cuba and returned to the U.S. without a visa, leading to his detention as an undocumented immigrant.

1966: Grandfather's Residency Approved

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

May 28, 1971: Marco Rubio's Birth

On May 28, 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio was born.

1971: Marco Rubio's Birth

In 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio was born in Miami, Florida, the second son and third child of Mario Rubio Reina and Oriales (née García) Rubio.

1975: Parents' Naturalization

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

1984: First Communion

In 1984, Marco Rubio received his first communion as a Catholic before moving with his family back to Miami a year later.

1989: High School Graduation

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

1993: Bachelor's Degree

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

1996: Juris Doctor Degree

In 1996, Marco Rubio earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law.

1998: Rubio Marries Jeanette Dousdebes

In 1998, Marco Rubio married Jeanette Dousdebes, a former bank teller and Miami Dolphins cheerleader, in a Catholic church. They have four children and reside in West Miami, Florida.

2008: Departure from Florida Legislature

In 2008, Marco Rubio left the Florida legislature due to term limits and began teaching at Florida International University.

2012: Student Loan Payoff

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

January 2017: Rubio stated that he would be a "private citizen" by January 2017

In January 2017, Marco Rubio stated that he would be a "private citizen", leading to speculation that his political career was over. This came after he suspended his presidential campaign in March 2016 and ruled out other political positions.