OTTAWA -- Immigration Minister Chris Alexander is accusing the opposition of "folly and hypocrisy" as the government's controversial immigration bill clears another legislative hurdle.

"Both the Liberals and the NDP remain offside with Canadians who recognize the immense value of Canadian citizenship and the importance of protecting its integrity," Alexander told The Canadian Press in a statement.

"It is shameful that activist immigration lawyers, who never miss an opportunity to criticize our government's citizenship and immigration reforms, are attempting to drum up business by promoting the interests of convicted terrorists and serious criminals over the safety and security of Canadians."

Bill C-24, called the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, proposes a series of reforms to Canada's immigration system. It was slated to go to second reading -- essentially agreement in principle -- later Wednesday.

Under the proposed changes, citizenship can be revoked from dual nationals convicted of terrorism, high treason and spying offences, or who take up arms against Canada. As well, permanent residents who commit these acts will be barred from applying for citizenship.

Alexander has said the rule would only apply to those facing such charges in a Canadian court and that the government would not accept convictions from dictatorships.

The bill's provisions also require applicants to be present in Canada for a total of four out of their past six years, and 183 days per year for at least four of those six years.

Some critics have suggested that highly skilled immigrants who travel the world to find work will find it more difficult to meet such a test.

The bill also contains measures aimed at thwarting people who pay consultants to pretend they are living in Canada when they have no intention of ever setting foot in the country.

Alexander has said the changes are needed because the Citizenship Act hasn't been overhauled in 36 years. The government hopes the changes will help slash a backlog of citizenship applications that has grown to 320,000 files.

On average, Canada admits about 250,000 immigrants every year. The Immigration Department plans to admit more than 261,000 in this year.