Poll: Most US Citizens Want to Lift the Embargo on Cuba

A majority of U.S. citizens have a favorable view of Cuba, according a joint poll by CBS News and the New York Times released on Monday, although most of those surveyed oppose closing the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay.

Diplomatic ties with United States’ cold war enemy resumed in December 2014, and since then a number a visa and trade restrictions have been lifted between the two nations.

According to the poll, 58 percent of the U.S. electorate support resuming diplomatic ties with the island nation, while only 25 percent oppose it. Interestingly the majority of Democrats and independents are in favor of restoring ties, compared to 42 percent of Republicans.

Interestingly, six in 10 Americans think restoring diplomacy with Cuba is mostly good for the U.S., with U.S. business eying operations on the island once again. However, views are mixed on whether it will lead to more democracy in Cuba.

One of the most significant developments in the restoring of relations between the two nations is the removal on numerous visa restrictions that allow U.S. citizens to visit Cuba if they fall under 12 categories, which include professional, religious and journalistic activities.

U.S. citizens no longer need to use guides and visitors and can also declare trips as for “educational activities.” Despite these changes, 57 percent of Americans have little interest in visiting Cuba, however: 49 percent of Democrats said they would like to go and just 29 percent of Republicans showed interest in touring the island.

Obama’s plans to close down Guantanamo Bay appear to contradict the will of the majority of the U.S. people, as 52 percent of those polled said they want to see the prison remain open, including most Republicans and independents. A slim majority of Democrats want the prison closed.

Since assuming office in 2008, U.S. President Barack Obama has publicly stated time and again his desire to close the U.S. military prison and last month he sent his plan to Congress.

This poll was conducted by telephone March 11-15, 2016, among a random sample of 1,022 adults nationwide.

Source: TeleSur