Greencard taken from me!!!! HELP!!!

[stressedout]

I just recently tried to return to the U.S.A to live again. I had returned to Canada back in Dec. of 1999. At that time of returning, the borders told me nothing of re entry permits or anything. I came back because of a car accident that had striped me of my job, money and so on. I had no where else to go but to my family in Canada, knowing nothing of re entry permits or anything.Upon residing in Canada I ended up working, and basically living as a Canadian. Until a few days ago I had to return to the U.S. still having my GC in possession. The border pulled me over and brought me in for questioning. I ended up having to "abondon" my GC.
What do I have to do to get it back? I want to return to the U.S. to work, live, and become a U.S. citizen. The Immigration officer who took my GC told me I have 30 days to appeal this abondonment. What's the process I have to do?
Any info is greatly appreciated.

[pork_chop]

actually, the laws are very clear on this - what happened on the border was exactly what was supposed to happen under the applicable laws.

still, you have 30 days to file an appeal. here is the only advice i can give you: find a GOOD and EXPERIENCED immigration attorney, and get their help. if there's any hope of salvaging the situation, the attorney should be able to swing it - don't try to do this yourself.

good luck.