Yes, you can be questionned about your intention to establish permanent residency in USA (job, house/apartment, family in USA, taxes, etc). I understand that you recently became a permanent resident (in 2008).

You shall not stay abroad for longer than 6 months at a time, and you can be questionned if you spend a lot of time abroad every year.

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You should speak with an attorney to discuss the benefits of filing a re-entry permit. While you still have to maintain residence in the US, if you have valid reasons for taking long trips outside of the US (i.e., family reasons or employment reasons), then the re-entry permit may preclude CBP from asking additional questions regarding your long stays abroad.

Please note that this is general information only; it is not intended as a substitute for legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

I would need more information regarding your particular case before I can comment on it properly.

However, I am sure you were told that when you got your green card you were NOT allowed to stay out of the country for more than 6 months at a time.

According to what you have explained you spent 9 months continuously in the Philippines from July 2008 – April 2009. I am surprised that you were not questioned by the border agents when you return to the US.

Patricia Martin-Gibbons