Migration is a challenge to the modern way of life. The migration crisis that occurred in 2015 was the result of years of transition processes in the Middle East and North Africa, which led to an increased influx of migrants. This migration wave also affected the Republic of Croatia, which found itself in the so-called Balkan route. The migration crisis has also led to an increase in the crime rate, so the aim of the paper was to address the concepts and causes of illegal migration, and the directions of movement of illegal migrants. The paper also conducted a survey to examine the attitudes of young people towards illegal migrants. The research was conducted using a survey method on a sample of 203 adult young people aged between 18-24 and 25-29 years. in the area of the town of Vrgorac and its surroundings. The specific objectives of the research examined the connection between socio-demographic characteristics and attitudes of young people towards illegal migrants, and socio-political characteristics of young people and anti-immigration attitudes towards illegal migrants. The results of the research showed that young people are most often informed about the migration crisis through internet portals, social networks and television. Research has also shown that men and women differ significantly in their attitudes towards illegal migrants. Men consider to a greater extent that illegal migrants are a threat to the security of citizens, and that they destroy the property of citizens, while women to a greater extent consider it necessary to provide camps for illegal migrants (21.7%). From the results of the research, it is possible to conclude that political orientation shapes young people attitudes towards illegal migrants. Accordingly, those who are right-wing have more negative attitudes about illegal migrants. Also, the results of the research showed that social influence (the role of the media), religion and level of education do not shape the attitudes of young people towards illegal migrants. The research found that those who are more educated do not necessarily have a more positive attitude towards illegal migrants, as well as those who are religious and who are informed through the media about the migration crisis and illegal migrants more negatively. According to the respondents, human trafficking requires additional training of police officers, and above all the adoption of adequate laws at the EU level.