Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff had discussed options with London about revising the visa waiver programme, the New York Times said.
It follows the conviction of five men - mostly of Pakistani origin - for a UK bomb plot linked to al-Qaeda.
The UK Home Office said it would be unacceptable to "single out citizens of any particular background".
The fertiliser bomb plot convictions highlight a problem which has quietly dogged relations between the US and its closest ally ever since 9/11.
The following question is keeping US immigration officials awake at night:
If a few British men of Pakistani origin are prepared to blow themselves up and commit mass murder in the UK, how many will try and enter the US on the visa waiver programme which grants them visa-free access to America?
Put another way, could America's closest friend also harbour its most dangerous enemy and what should be done about it?
'Blanket ban'
According to the New York Times report, Mr Chertoff has been discussing various options with London, none of which are considered palatable.
One is a blanket ban on the UK visa waiver programme, requiring more than a million annual visitors from Britain to apply for a visa."
Oh heavens no!
Forget that Americans do not enjoy the same visa-free status in the UK as Brits do in the states! Its, its, well it's downright un-American to want to know who is entering the country!
Disremember that Pakistani's are not a "race" at all, and instead of a particular religious bent. RACE just sounds so juicy.
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