Canada Weighs Revoking Citizenship of Convicted Terrorists

The Canadian government on Thursday proposed sweeping changes to the country's immigration laws, including a provision that would strip citizenship from persons convicted of terrorism or spying.

The measure specifically targets individuals with dual citizenship found to have "membership in an armed force or organized armed group engaged in armed conflict with Canada," a government press release said.

It also targets anyone "convicted of terrorism, high treason, treason or spying offenses," the statement said.

Penalties for immigration fraud would also increase, and applicants would have to commit to residing in the country and curbing their foreign travels -- a move aimed at tens of thousands of Canadian passport holders living abroad.

"Canadians understand that citizenship should not be simply a passport of convenience," said Immigration Minister Chris Alexander in a statement.

"Citizenship is a pledge of mutual responsibility and a shared commitment to values rooted in our history," he said.

Other measures in the amended act include a hike in citizenship application fees, and a requirement that newcomers demonstrate proficiency in one of Canada's two official languages, French or English.

Canadians living and working abroad for the first time will be required under the revised law to file income tax returns.