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BBC NEWS | UK | US 'to tighten rules on Britons'

The US government is reportedly seeking to tighten visa restrictions for British citizens of Pakistani origin. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff had discussed options with London about revising the visa waiver programme, the New York Times said.

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?

But this would be seen as racial profiling which is something that the US authorities have always publicly resisted at home. It would also be certain to embarrass the government in London. Homeland security officials deny that any special talks have been taking place or that racial profiling is on the cards. But they also point out that they are talking to congress about ways to strengthen the visa waiver programme which is authorised by law.