Download the graphic presentation: 31.03.2022 US Survey Visa Waiver March 2022
Most Americans support the inclusion of Romania in the Visa Waiver program
The think tank STRATEGIC Thinking Group (www.strategicthinking.ro) initiated a comparative research project in the United States and Romania consisting of conducting opinion polls in the two countries. The survey in the United States was conducted by The Bullfinch Group (www.thebullfinchgroup.com) in partnership with INSCOP Research (www.inscop.ro).
Survey findings:
The Department of Homeland Security’s Visa Waiver Program currently allows citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.
Knowing this and asked if they support or oppose adding Romania, an ally of the U.S. that supports U.S. policies around the world, to this program, most Americans (53%) stated that they support the abolition of visas for Romanian citizens. Only 21% oppose the abolition of visas, while 25% have not formed an opinion, being unsure.
In terms of political options, the highest support for abolishing visas for Romanian citizens is among Democratic voters. Thus, 57% of Democratic Party voters support Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver program, while 15% oppose it and 28% are undecided.
Half of the Republican Party voters support the abolition of visas for Romanian citizens, 29% oppose, and 25% are undecided.
The support of independent voters for the abolition of visas for Romanians is similar to that registered among the general population. Thus, 54% of independent voters support the inclusion of Romania in the Visa Waiver program, while 21% oppose it and 25% are unsure.
Brett Loyd, President, and CEO of The Bullfinch Group: “Our data clearly shows that Americans have a very positive opinion of allied countries that support US policies around the world and that Americans do not perceive Romania as a source of illegal immigration. That is why most Americans support the inclusion of Romania in the Visa Waiver Program; the percentage of those who oppose it is significantly lower. It is also very relevant that there is absolutely no category of population that we tested in the USA which the percentage of those who oppose the abolition of visas for Romanian citizens is higher than the percentage of those who support the abolition of visas.”
Remus Stefureac, President of STRATEGIC Thinking Group: “The data shows very clearly that the share of the US population, registered voters from all the aisles of the political spectrum (Democrats, Republicans or independents) who support the abolition of visas for Romanian citizens is more than double than the share of those who oppose it. The findings may further contribute to the efforts to persuade members of the US Congress and the US administration to include Romania, one of America’s most reliable allies, in the Visa Waiver program.”
Methodology
The national opinion poll in the United States was conducted by The Bullfinch Group (www.thebullfinchgroup.com) in partnership with INSCOP Research (www.inscop.ro), as part of a research project initiated by the think tank STRATEGIC Thinking Group / Strategic Thinking Group (www.strategicthinking.ro). The data were collected between February 19-23, 2022, through telephone interviews; the volume of the sample is 1044 registered voters. The maximum permissible data error is ± 3%.
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STRATEGIC THINKING GROUP is an avant-garde think tank that aims to provide an active civic platform dedicated to encouraging reflection and strategic thinking through in-depth analyzes, studies and research. STRATEGIC THINKING GROUP supports public debates based on the rigorous use of scientific data and structured assessments to make solid contributions to development and progress in relevant fields in the public and private sectors.
The Bullfinch Group is a non-partisan polling company located in Washington DC that specialized in independent sociological research and strategic orientation.
INSCOP Research is one of the most active and respected polling companies in Romania, a company that has rigorous ethical standards, recognized for the quality and impartiality of its products. INSCOP Research’s studies are quoted in thousands of articles in Romania and worldwide, in national and international official reports, in prestigious Romanian and international think-tanks reports, or academic journals.
INSCOP Research – Romania and The Bullfinch Group concluded a collaborative partnership in conducting sociological studies in Romania and other countries in the region and the United States of America. The two companies collaborate to develop a set of innovative methodologies.
Download the graphic presentation: 31.03.2022 US Survey Visa Waiver March 2022