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 who served as a U.S. Senator for Florida from 2011 to 2025. He ran as a candidate in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries. Currently, he is the 72nd United States Secretary of State since 2025. During his time as secretary, he has also been the acting administrator of USAID and acting archivist of the United States. He is a member of the Republican Party.

Sections (5)

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

1956: Grandfather Immigrated to U.S.

In 1956, Marco Rubio's maternal grandfather, Pedro Victor Garcia, legally immigrated to the U.S. but returned to Cuba to find work in 1959.

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

In 1956, Marco Rubio's parents immigrated to the United States from Cuba during the regime of Fulgencio Batista.

1956: Rubio's parents left Cuba.

In 1956, Marco Rubio's parents left Cuba during the Batista regime, which contradicts Rubio's previous statements that they left in 1959 after Fidel Castro came to power.

1959: Grandfather Returned to Cuba

In 1959, Marco Rubio's maternal grandfather, Pedro Victor Garcia, returned to Cuba to find work after legally immigrating to the U.S. in 1956.

1959: Rubio's previous statements about family history.

In 1959, according to The Washington Post, Rubio had previously stated that his parents were forced to leave Cuba after Fidel Castro came to power, which was a falsehood.

1961: Rubio's mother took siblings back to Cuba

In 1961, Marco 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.

1961: Rubio's Mother 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: Grandfather Fled Cuba and Detained

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

1966: Grandfather Re-applied for Residency

In 1966, Marco Rubio's maternal grandfather re-applied for permanent resident status following passage of the Cuban Adjustment Act, at which point his residency was approved.

May 27, 1971: Marco Rubio Born

On May 27, 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio was born. He is an American politician who has served as the 72nd United States secretary of state since 2025.

1971: Marco Rubio's Birth

In 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio was born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban parents who had immigrated to the United States in 1956.

1975: Rubio's Parents Naturalized as U.S. Citizens

In 1975, Rubio's parents, who were not U.S. citizens at the time of his birth in 1971, were naturalized as U.S. citizens after applying for citizenship.

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: Graduated High School

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

1993: Earned Bachelor's Degree

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

1996: Earned Juris Doctor

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

1998: Rubio Married Jeanette Dousdebes

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

2007: Request for Legislative Apology for Slavery

In 2007, Florida state senator Tony Hill requested that the legislature apologize for slavery, and Rubio supported discussing the idea.

2008: Rubio Supports Apology for Slavery

In 2008, Rubio supported the idea of an apology for slavery, emphasizing the importance of symbolic gestures and addressing the belief among young African-American males that the American dream was not available to them.

2008: Rubio Began Teaching at FIU

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

October 2011: Report on Rubio's Family History

In October 2011, The Washington Post reported that Marco Rubio's previous statements about his parents leaving Cuba in 1959 were false, as they left in 1956 during the Batista regime. Rubio denied embellishing his family history.

2011: Rubio Rejoined FIU Faculty

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