ESTA refused - help pls - British born passport holder

Hello

I applied for an ESTA as I'm travelling to watch the US Tennis Open in September.

I went last year as well and went to the States on holiday in 2015.

Oddly, my ESTA has been refused.

I am a British passport holder and I'm British born, of Asian origin.

I've literally never been refused anything visa-wise, ever, so am a little shocked.

The tennis is on in New York in September. Can someone pls advise how to resolve this matter.

Many thanks.

See also ESTA Denials.

Apply for a visitor visa.

Hello

So by way of update I was not granted a visa at interview. I was informed there will be further investigations.

They did not wish to see my documents.

I was asked:

was I born in Pakistan? No
have I lived in Pakistan? No.
were my parents born in Pakistan? Yes.

Ok we have further investigations.

I find this really weird.

I have been flying to the USA for the last 39 years. My parents were born in Pakistan 80 years ago, my father recently passed. This has never been an issue these last 39 years of travelling to the US.

Most recently I went last year and then in 2015 via the VWP.

My circumstances haven't changed.

I'm not sure where else to go with this if my visa isn't granted following these further checks.

Any advices appreciated.