Just because you're from the U.S. doesn't mean you have an advantage on basic verification. U.S. residents failing basic too.
That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if being outside the U.S. is somehow inherently more difficult, I just haven't seen any evidence of a difference.
I think everyone might be in the same shit-filled boat.
Yes it is inherintly far far far more unlikely that you will pass basic if youre outside of US. 1% chance.
Because its based on some US records. And phone registration is only in US.