Josh Pugh, a native of Adelaide, Australia, found himself contemplating his life’s direction after a brief trip to the United States. It was a moment of introspection that led him to a bold decision: to explore life in America. In January 2017, Pugh arrived in a snow-covered New York City, clad in his South Australian summer attire, ready to embark on an experiment in American living.
Nearly a decade later, Pugh has emerged as a prominent figure among Australians in New York and across the United States. Known affectionately as “America Josh,” his digital platforms and social events have become essential resources for newcomers, prospective movers, and expatriates seeking a sense of community. “Everyone wants to know that they’re not missing something,” Pugh explains. “They want to know that they’re informed, they’re not an idiot.”
Building a Community in the Big Apple
As we share lunch at La Sandwicherie, a small eatery on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Pugh reflects on his journey. He chose the location for its proximity to a medical appointment for his pregnant wife, Stacey. Their second child is expected just before Christmas. Pugh is well aware of the challenges newcomers face, particularly when navigating the complexities of American bureaucracy.
His work has increasingly focused on providing guidance on immigration, visas, and taxation. The Trump administration’s changes to visa policies created uncertainty for many, although Australians, benefiting from the unique E-3 work visa, were largely unaffected. However, a recent State Department memo caused chaos by appearing to prohibit visa renewals in third countries, leading to widespread confusion among Australians abroad.
“I’ve had hundreds of emails in the last couple of weeks, asking the same [questions]: Have I understood this right? Is this what’s going to happen?” Pugh says.
In response, Pugh organized webinars with immigration experts to reassure Australians and others in his network about their rights and options. Many opted to return to Australia for visa renewals, resulting in extended waiting times for appointments.
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the challenges, Pugh remains optimistic. “Chill out,” he advises, drawing on his experience during the Trump administration’s first term. He emphasizes that there are often solutions to the obstacles that arise.
One significant change under President Trump was the introduction of a $US100,000 fee for new H1-B visas, impacting the tech industry heavily reliant on foreign talent. The E-3 visa, a product of the US-Australia free trade agreement, remains unaffected, allowing Australians to continue making a significant impact in the US. Pugh cites Bluestone Lane, a popular coffee chain founded by Melburnian Nick Stone, as an example of this influence.
Pugh’s vibrant personality and love for New York have made him a quintessential American Australian. Over baguettes, he recounts his early days in the city, describing the frenetic pace and the need to balance social engagements. Meeting Stacey on a dating app in late 2017 helped him find that balance.
Adapting to a New Normal
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to Pugh’s life and his side project, America Josh. The initiative evolved from assisting people moving to the US to fostering a community. Pugh hosted online trivia nights for 35 weeks, creating opportunities for social interaction during isolation. His annual “Big Aussie BBQ” and weekly coffee group have also become popular events.
Now, America Josh occupies two days of Pugh’s week, and he has enlisted an event manager to assist with the growing workload. While digital marketing remains his primary occupation, Pugh aspires to make America Josh a full-time endeavor.
At 38, Pugh reflects on his journey from Adelaide to New York. The allure of the city remains strong for many young Australians, despite the high cost of living and the challenges of meeting expectations. “It’s this idea that you get here and it sort of carries you, this hustle,” he says. “But it’s a sweaty, dirty place that a lot of the time will kick your arse.”
“Some people who have the dream of always wanting to live here, they find it really difficult. You need money, you need a job,” he says. “If you don’t have the money to say yes to things here, you don’t get the connections, you don’t meet the people, you don’t build the community.”
A New Chapter Across the Hudson
After eight years in New York, Pugh and his family have relocated to Jersey City, just a short train ride from Manhattan. The move marks a shift in lifestyle, as Pugh acknowledges he’s no longer immersed in the city’s nightlife. “I realised I’m not going out every night any more,” he says. “Now we come into the city to do things, as opposed to constantly being bombarded by it.”
In another significant change, Pugh recently became an American citizen. The process involved an interview and civics test in Newark, culminating in a citizenship ceremony. While adjusting to his dual citizenship, Pugh remains deeply connected to his Australian roots. “I’d find it odd to refer to myself as an American, and really still identify only as an Australian. But I’m comforted by the idea that I now have two homes.”
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