Jackson, January 17 (RHC)-- A new poll in the U.S. finds widespread support for President Barack Obama's decision to make it easier to travel and trade with Cuba, according to a report published by the Sun Herald daily in the U.S. state of Mississippi.

Fully 63 percent of U.S. people approve of the administration’s decision on December 17th to re-establish diplomatic ties with Cuba after more than 50 years, the Pew Research Center survey found. Even more -- 66 percent -- favor lifting the blockade against Cuba.

The survey, conducted January 7-11 among 1,504 adults, finds strong support among Democrats and independents for the restoration of diplomatic ties with Cuba, and for ending the blockade. About three-quarters of Democrats - 74 percent - along with 67 percent of independents support the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Republicans are more divided: 40 percent of Republicans approve of re-establishing ties, while 48 percent are against. As many Republicans say they oppose lifting the blockade as say they favor it -- 47 percent each.