At JFK T8 (AA), after the CBP passport check stations one proceeds directly to baggage claim, so if you are GE with NO checked bags, you go to the "customs" agent station with your non-X slip. If there is a line, the station on the right has an EXIT sign, which gets you to the front of the line.
Only once in nearly 20 trips, was there an agent stationed between passport check stations and baggage claim.