The aim of this qualitative pilot study was to explore non-status immigrants' experiences and the psychosocial impact of living without legal status. In-depth interviews were conducted with Spanish-speaking migrants at a community health centre in Toronto, Canada. This article focuses on immigrants' reasons for migration and encounters with state processes, specifically immigration and health care systems. Findings suggest that non-status immigrants are similar to refugees in their reasons for migrating and mental health needs. Mental health risks are associated with lack of legal status. Without legal status, they achieve only limited well-being and health security due to ongoing stress and systemic barriers to health care. Immigration or legal status, or its absence, is an important social determinant of health that deserves more attention. © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Irregular migration Health security Mental health Undocumented immigrants Canada

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