US permanent resident returns from abroad after 2 years?

Your fears are not unfounded. Because you left as a "resident" without first getting citizenship, and did not return within six months, I am all but certain that you will have to start your whole residency petition process over again. That's right. From scratch. Having a "green card" and traveling abroad for any significant amount of time is a bad idea and shouldn't be done if there is the slightest doubt that one will be gone for more than six months. Instead, folks should get citizenship (if at all possible) before doing so. Because you didn't do this, again, I am pretty sure you will have to re-apply for residency and start all over from scratch again. After three years, you can then apply for citizenship. Unfair? Yes. But who ever said immigration policy in the U.S. was fair? Or Europe for that matter? It's clist, racist and designed to penalize the poor and people of color. Welcome to America!