Wow, that is really invasive and possibly illegal in your state. I don't think employers can ask about family. I wouldn't take a job with a company that asked me that during an interview. It borders on the now definitely illegal question they used to ask women, "When are you planning to start a family?"
You could, in self defence, ask why they need to know. It may even be the opposite of what you think. They may actually prefer someone NOT close to family. We're easier to exploit to work on holidays and for overtime. Those of us in NC, don't ask to leave for Christmas and Easter holidays a week early to fly home to see our parents!
But ultimately, I would be cautious about working with a company who allows such personal questions. It can only get worse.
You could, in self defence, ask why they need to know. It may even be the opposite of what you think. They may actually prefer someone NOT close to family. We're easier to exploit to work on holidays and for overtime. Those of us in NC, don't ask to leave for Christmas and Easter holidays a week early to fly home to see our parents!
But ultimately, I would be cautious about working with a company who allows such personal questions. It can only get worse.