2 Answers

There are a lot of factors that could be involved. For instance, how often does this happen?  "Personal issues" could mean something very serious or extremely trivial, couldn't it?  How long a period of time is requested?  What is the length of employment?  How valuable is the employee based on past performance? Is this the first time that this request has been made?

I do not believe that an employer is obligated, in any way, to grant this time off but may be willing to do so, if he/she has all of the facts of the situation and the employee is an asset to the company.

I don't think there is only one answer.

You would have to check with your state, for guidelines

on Labour Standards. Each may be different.