Maybe they could then invest in a separate queue for passengers in transit, on production of an onward boarding pass. It really can be make or break to getting the onwards connection... JFK have security who you can usually appraoch and infomr them of your connection if you are running late, they usually allow you to the front of the queue.

I have 4 passports stapeled together as my residence visa for the UAE is in the first along with my Australian residence (I have UK Passport) and with frequent trips around the middle east and the USA i am always "suspect" imaginable, so tend to take longer at the desk than most too...

Quote from the last immigration officer at JFK when I infomred him my next flight left in 40 minutes, he took one look at teh passports and infomred me "you will not be on that flight!".. However I did manage it... But only as I was travevling in F and had a very small security line to get through and preimium labeled bags so for once - they were waiting for me as I got to the belt....