Six states, led by Arizona in 2010, passed sweeping legislation against illegal immigrants.

What does "passed sweeping legislation" mean in this context?

Question

Six states, led by Arizona in 2010, passed sweeping legislation against illegal immigrants.

What does "passed sweeping legislation" mean in this context?

Answer

You probably understand passed legislation.  The word sweeping means something that changes everything.  The elections brought sweeping changes to power structure in Congress.  (The balance of power shifted dramatically.)

The drought led to sweeping changes in irrigation policy.

Answer

Wide-ranging and comprehensive laws.

Answer

"passed sweeping legislation" means they approved laws that brough big changes, people didn't expect big changes like that and they are in shock. Does it make sense?

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