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 Antonio Rubio is an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat. Since 2025, he has served as the 72nd United States Secretary of State and as acting National Security Advisor. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Sections (5)

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

1956: Rubio's Grandfather Immigrated to the U.S.

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

1956: Date of Parents Leaving Cuba

In October 2011, The Washington Post stated that Marco Rubio's parents left Cuba in 1956 during the Batista regime.

1959: Rubio's Grandfather Returned to Cuba

In 1959, Rubio's maternal grandfather returned to Cuba to find work.

1961: Rubio's Mother's Trip to Cuba

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

1962: Rubio's Grandfather Fled Cuba

In 1962, Rubio's maternal grandfather fled communist Cuba and returned to the U.S. without a visa, leading to detention before being reclassified as a 'parolee'.

1966: Rubio's Grandfather Reapplied for Residency

In 1966, Rubio's grandfather 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 in Miami, Florida.

1971: Birth of Marco Rubio

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: Rubio's Parents Naturalized

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 back to Miami a year later.

1989: Graduated High School

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

1993: Earned Bachelor of Arts Degree

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

1996: Received Juris Doctor

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

1998: Rubio's marriage to Jeanette Dousdebes

In 1998, Marco Rubio married Jeanette Dousdebes in a Catholic church, the Church of the Little Flower. She is from a Hispanic family, with parents who immigrated from Colombia, and is a former bank teller and Miami Dolphins cheerleader.

2008: Rubio begins teaching at FIU

After leaving the Florida Legislature in 2008, Marco Rubio began teaching at Florida International University (FIU) as an adjunct professor, marking the start of his academic career alongside his political endeavors.

2008: Leaves Florida Legislature

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

2010: Foreclosure of shared residence

In 2010, the Tallahassee residence that Marco Rubio co-owned with 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, Marco Rubio rejoined the FIU faculty. He has taught undergraduate courses on Florida politics, political parties, and legislative politics.

2012: Paid Off Student Loans

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

January 2015: Rubio begins contacting donors and appointing advisors for a potential 2016 run

In January 2015, Rubio began contacting top donors and appointing advisors like George Seay and Jim Rubright for a potential 2016 presidential run.

April 13, 2015: Rubio launches his campaign for president in 2016.

On April 13, 2015, Rubio launched his campaign for president in 2016, positioning himself as a candidate who could restore the American Dream for middle and working-class families.