Martha's Vineyard authorities have described the arrival of 50 migrants on their affluent island as a 'humanitarian crisis' - despite the median household income being significantly higher than the national average.

The declaration came as a lawmaker who previously said that he would 'love' to see the wealthy area turn into a 'haven' for immigrants slammed Governor Ron DeSantis for flying in 50 migrants.

'To our Island community, here is an update on current humanitarian crisis on Martha's Vineyard,' the official account of the tourist board tweeted on Thursday.

'We thank people for their continued help.' 

The community issued a statement, saying that they were working on a 'coordinated regional response', and two emergency shelters had been created.

'All activated local Emergency Management will remain in effect as we learn more and anticipate our State partners coordinated response.' 

The exclusive enclave is where Barack and Michelle Obama bought their $12 million vacation home in 2019, and where he celebrated his 60th birthday last year.

In 2017, John Kerry bought a historic waterfront property in Chilmark for $11.75 million. 

Celebrity visitors include Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and members of the Kennedy family.