@#1

From the cited article ...

... The Gold Card scheme promises US residency in "record time" and will require a $1m fee which is "evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States", the programme's website said. ...

So, the vetting seems to be based upon whether or not the person can afford the fee?

@#3 ... For $10m you can get the "Platinum Card", which comes with a White House Happy Meal and a pardon. ...

My guess would be that fmr Honduras Pres Hernandez's pardon cost more than that.

But that's just a guess.

@#5 ... vetted people ..

I saw that.

And it is why I asked about the "vetting" that Pres Trump is doing.

His comments (as I noted in #2) seem to indicate an emphasis upon the ability to buy the card, and not any other vetting.

From the cited article ...

... When Trump first unveiled the plan he described the visas as similar to green cards, which allow immigrants of various income levels to live and work permanently in the US. Green card holders typically become eligible for citizenship after five years.

But the Gold Card is aimed specifically at "high-level" professionals, Trump said, emphasising, "we want people that are productive".

"The people that can pay $5m, they're going to create jobs," Trump said. "It's going to sell like crazy. It's a bargain." ...

So, it seems, if you have the money, you can buy your way into the US and avoid ICE.