I heard a radio broadcast the other day that regardless of any "special relationship" with this country that the US might have their Govt are getting very concerned about visitors emanating from these shores and it may only be a matter of time before they impose rigid visa controls.

The reasoning behind it is they are not impressed by some of our slack border & asylum procedures and that we appear to give sanctuary and passports to criminals, extremists, terrorists and other dangerous people. The recent clampdown on uncharged phones/ tablets etc indicates this as it doesn't apply to travellers from Canada, Philippines, Australia, Japan etc