Washington, Mar 21 (RHC-PL) Almost 60 percent of U.S. citizens support lifting the economic, commercial and financial blockade on Cuba and President Obama's policy toward the island, a survey published on Monday revealed.

Amid the visit of the US President, who arrived Sunday in Havana, the poll in The New York Times and by CBS News Network, showed that 62 percent of citizens consider the links with Cuba positive for Washington's interests.

Fifty-two percent of those interviewed, of several political leanings support the work of Obama in this regard, while among democrats the figure rises to 78 percent. A little over half the republicans criticized the efforts of the President to improve the links with Cuba, according to the survey organizers.

According to the survey, 70 percent of citizens demand the U.S. government puts an end to the unique benefits given to Cuban emigrants who arrive in U.S. territory, under the precepts of the Law of Adjustment and the dry foot-wet foot policy.

Those surveyed said the authorities of this country should immediately eliminate those privileges and treat the Cuban immigrants similarly to the rest of foreigners arriving in this northern nation.

The poll in The New York Times stresses the substantial change of opinion of U.S. citizens on Cuba over the last few years, as over half now expressed a favorable opinion, 10 percent more than the autumn of 2014.

Obama yesterday started an official visit to Cuba and this Monday, president Raul Castro will receive him officially in the Palace of the Revolution in Havana.

Before departing Tuesday for Argentina, the American president will give a speech at the Alicia Alonso Grand Theatre and will be present at a baseball game between Cuba and the Major League U.S. team, the Tampa Bay Rays.