I'm assuming they are talking about pre-clearance as without that there is no way this can work in US. I've never been a fan of pre-clearance - specially the one in AUH. Over the years, I've had some nasty wait times to clear immigration in US but overall I'd still take that over the AUH pre-clearance experience. I can see though that it may benefit people on visa's and older folks who may find it easier to be done with all paperwork in India itself. Also, IIRC, the host country pays for the US CBP staff!