As in most other states, many New Jersey households include members who arrived in the United States from other countries. Families who may not have immediate relatives who are immigrants often have friends or co-workers who do. A group of doctors in another state have taken a stand on immigration detention issues they say are causing devastation among certain groups of people.

The advocacy group includes three physicians who have firsthand experience in providing medical care to asylum seekers in the United States. They recently participated in a public protest to decry current U.S. policies, stating that conditions in many of the nation's immigration detention centers are appalling and inhumane. The doctors cited more than 30 immigrant deaths, including several children, in the past year that they believe were due to lack of running water, poor nutrition, lack of needed medical attention and other issues.

The doctors say reform of U.S. policies is, at this point, not enough. They have demanded that numerous detention facilities be immediately shut down. The physicians also stated that substandard care and filthy living conditions have prompted serious physical and mental health problems in many immigrants' lives.

If a New Jersey resident is currently worried about immigration detention issues that are adversely affecting his or her family, a meeting can be requested with an experienced immigration law attorney for support. Such an attorney can review a specific case and help a client explore whatever options might be available to help resolve the problem. Many times, people who enter the United States from other countries do not realize they have certain rights, but an attorney well-versed in such matters can provide guidance and support to families in need.