A growing body of literature describes what has come to be know as the 'healthy migrant' phenomenon - the fact that immigrants to the United States and Western Europe countries are often healthier than native-born residents in their new countries of residence. Over time, many immigrants lose this health advantage for reasons that are not fully understood. Data are presented from in-depth interviews with 62 health and social service providers working with immigrants in the state of Minnesota. Although the state is home to many refugees who were victims of torture or severe deprivation in their home countries, the majority of providers defi- ned the principal needs of their clients as affordable housing, jobs and access to health services, rather than needs related to health conditions and services per se. The providers' open-ended comments paint a picture of the ways in which post-immigration experiences lead to tangible stresses that compromise immigrants? health and well-being.