This act establishes the first full definition of who can and cannot be enslaved in the Virginia Colony. It declares that all people "imported" to the colony whose parentage and native countries are not "Christian," including any Native people who are sold or trafficked by other Native people, are to be enslaved.

The term "white" is also given a legal designation: "English, and other white men and women." The terms "Negro," "mulatto," and "Indian" are used to define who can be charged with "insurrection." Furthermore, relationships between white people and anyone defined as "Negro," "mulatto," and "Indian" are banned.