In a case like this, I would suggest making a connection elsewhere than in the US so as to avoid this American-made nonsense. I'm on the east coast (not NY) and I usually have the choice, if I can't fly direct, of re-positioning in Europe and than flying to the US direct, or flying direct to JFK, ORD, BOS or EWR and then connecting to PHL, my home airport. I always chose to connect in Europe to a flight that goes direct to my home airport rather than do the customs to connection route here in the US. It may add some time due to long connection times needed at the connecting airport, but it's nothing compared to missing a flight. I should note, I have zero tolerance for risk.

I can't speak for flights originating in Asia, I've never been there and don't know the customs requirement.