geordiejet is correct.
Pilots in the USA do not have licences, they hold certificates. hence the 'L' not being on the end of ATP.
US pilots do NOT need an ATP to fly for an airline, they will eventually with experience.
The only thing I can guess Andili is refering to (as his post is meaningless) is that the ATP chain of flying schools in the USA do not accept non US citizens on to their courses. If this is what you meant, then you are correct, they also have never actually accepted non US citizens.