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, attorney, and diplomat. He has served as the 72nd United States Secretary of State since 2025 and also acts as the National Security Advisor. Previously, he represented Florida in the U.S. Senate from 2011 to 2025 as 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.

1956: Rubio's Parents Left Cuba

Rubio's parents left Cuba in 1956, during the Batista regime. This fact was highlighted in a 2011 Washington Post report that disputed Rubio's claims.

1959: Rubio's Grandfather Returned to Cuba

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

1961: Rubio's Mother's Return Trip to Cuba

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

1961: Rubio's Mother and Siblings Returned to Cuba

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

1962: Rubio's Grandfather Fled Cuba

In 1962, Rubio's grandfather fled communist Cuba and returned to the U.S. without a visa and was detained as an undocumented immigrant.

1966: Rubio's Grandfather's Residency Approved

In 1966, Marco 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.

1971: Marco Rubio's Birth

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

1975: Rubio's Parents Naturalized

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

1984: First Communion

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

1989: Graduated High School

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

1993: Graduated from University of Florida

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

1996: Graduated from Law School

In 1996, Marco Rubio received 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 in a Catholic church. She is a former bank teller and Miami Dolphins cheerleader, and they have four children.

2008: Left Florida Legislature

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

2008: Started Teaching at FIU

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

2010: House Went into Foreclosure

In 2010, a house 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: Rejoined FIU Faculty

In 2011, after entering the U.S. Senate, Marco Rubio rejoined the FIU faculty, teaching 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.

October 28, 2025: Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica, Rubio activates disaster assistance

On October 28, 2025, after Hurricane Melissa made landfall at Jamaica, Marco Rubio activated a disaster assistance response team.

2026: Rubio Discusses Heritage at Security Conference in Munich

In a 2026 speech at the Security Conference in Munich, Marco Rubio stated that he was of Spanish and Italian heritage from Seville and Casale Monferrato, Kingdom of Piedmont.